The bright constellation

1. 1
   Use a good toothbrush. Your toothbrush should have soft nylon bristles which are gentler on your gums, fit comfortably in your hand, and have a small enough head so that it reaches all your teeth easily.[3] 
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Replace your toothbrush regularly. The bristles will wear out over time, losing their flexibility and effectiveness. You should get a new one every 3 months, or as soon as the bristles start to splay out and lose their shape.
   • Research has found that thousands of microbes call toothbrush bristles and handles "home," and can cause infections.[4]
      
   • Always rinse your brush after using it, and store it upright and uncovered so that it can dry before your next use.[5]
      
    
3. 3
   Use a fluoride toothpaste. It not only helps remove plaque, it also helps strengthen tooth enamel.[6] However, it's important to note that fluoride toothpaste is not to be swallowed, as ingesting too much can have serious health consequences.[7]
    

Part Two: How To Brush

1. 1
   Wet your toothbrush. Squeeze only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush. Applying too much toothpaste can cause over-sudsing, tempting you to spit and finish too early.[8]
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • If brushing is painful, switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth.
      
    
2. 2
   Set your bristles at the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Gently brush with a short, vertical or circular motion. Don't brush across your teeth.[9]
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Clean all your teeth. Brushing just a few teeth at a time, work your way around your mouth so that you get every tooth, spending about 12 to 15 seconds in each spot. If it helps, you can divide your mouth into quadrants: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right. If you spend 30 seconds on each quadrant, you'll get a full two minutes of brushing time in.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Brush your molars. Position the toothbrush so that it's perpendicular to your lips, or so that the bristles are resting on top of your bottom molars. Work the toothbrush in an in-and-out motion, and move from the back of your mouth to the front. Repeat on the other side of your mouth. When the bottom teeth are clean, flip the toothbrush over and work on the top molars.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Brush the inner surfaces of your teeth. Tip the toothbrush so that the head of the toothbrush is pointing towards your gum line, and brush each tooth. Dentists report that the most commonly skipped area is the inside of the lower front teeth, so be sure not to forget those![10]
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Gently brush your tongue. After you've cleaned your teeth, use the bristles of your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue. (Don't press too hard, or you'll damage the tissue.) This helps keep bad breath away.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Rinse out your mouth. If you choose to rinse after brushing, take a sip of water from a disposable cup, or cup your hands under the faucet. Swish it around your mouth, and spit it out.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Note that there is some debate on whether or not this is recommended. While some feel that it reduces the efficacy of the topical fluoride treatment, others wish to ensure that no fluoride is ingested. There are also those who just don't like having toothpaste in their mouths! If you're at a high risk of getting cavities, it may be beneficial not to rinse, or rinse with just a small amount of water—effectively creating a fluoride mouthwash.[11]
      
   • Other studies have shown that rinsing after brushing has no significant impact on the effectiveness of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.[12]
      
    
8. 8
   Rinse your toothbrush. Hold your toothbrush under running water for a few seconds, or (if you have a bowl or cup of water) wiggle it around under water for a bit.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
9. 9
   Finish with a fluoride-based mouthwash. (Optional) Take a small sip of mouthwash, swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit it out. Be careful not to swallow any.