This article shows carers how to clean someone’s teeth when they use a manual (normal) toothbrush, step by step.

• Use a soft brush. Brush gently. Do not scrub hard.
• Brush twice a day: morning and before bed.
• Brushing takes about 2 minutes.
• Electric toothbrushes usually clean better, but a manual brush is fine if used well.

How much toothpaste

• Children up to 3 years: the size of a grain of rice.
• Age 4 and over: the size of a pea.

Steps

1. Hold the brush at an angle, pointing at where the teeth meet the gums. A lot of plaque (germs) sits here.
2. Top teeth, outside: start at the back on the right. Move slowly to the back on the left.
3. Top teeth, inside (roof of mouth side): go from the back left to the back right.
4. Top teeth, chewing surfaces.
5. Bottom teeth, outside: start at the back on the right. Move slowly to the back on the left.
6. Bottom teeth, inside (tongue side): go from the back left to the back right.
7. Bottom teeth, chewing surfaces.
8. Spit out extra toothpaste. Try not to rinse. This leaves fluoride on the teeth.