Brushing

• 1). Use a toothbrush with a small brush, about 1 to 1/2 inches long. The toothbrush should have soft, rounded bristles, as hard bristles can erode the surface of the teeth and can damage your gums.
  
  
• 2). Squeeze a pea-sized dab of toothpaste on your toothbrush. Use a toothpaste containing fluoride, which will help to control plaque and cavities. Look for toothpastes with the American Dental Association seal of approval, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center.
  
  
• 3). Hold the toothbrush against your gums at a 45-degree angle, then brush groups of three or fourth teeth at a time. Move the toothbrush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surface of each tooth, working the brush into the spaces between your teeth. Brush the chewing surface of each tooth with short strokes. Tilt the toothbrush, then clean the inner surfaces of your teeth.
  
  
• 4). Move on to the next group of three or four teeth, giving each group of teeth equal time. After you've brushed your teeth, brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove plaque-causing bacteria. Rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash.
  
  

Flossing

• 1). Floss your teeth after brushing to remove plaque where the toothbrush can't reach. Use about 18 inches of floss.
  
  
• 2). Wrap the floss around the index or middle fingers of each hand in a way that is comfortable, and that will allow you to move the floss slightly, allowing clean floss for each tooth.
  
  
• 3). Insert the dental floss between two teeth, then clean between the teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Floss to the gumline, but don't force the floss under your gums. Clean the sides of each tooth by holding the floss in a curve against your teeth.