Tooth Brushing Technique

You've been brushing your teeth your whole life, but are you getting the most from your efforts? The following technique will help you get the most thorough clean.

1. On the outer and inner surfaces, brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle in short half-tooth-wide strokes against the gum line.
2. On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth.
3. On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and down strokes with toe of brush.
4. Brush the tongue in a back-to-front sweeping motion to remove food particles and freshen your mouth.

Remember to spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth, adding up to two minutes each time you brush.