Brushing Your Teeth: For Effective Toothbrushing

Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Brush by placing half the bristles on the tooth and half on the gum (at a 45 degree angle).
Slow, short, vibrating, or back and forth (not up and down) strokes are made while the tips of the bristles remain in the same place. This is a wiggly type motion.
Brush in a definite order: first, outside surfaces; then, inside surfaces, followed by chewing surfaces.
Brush the top of the tongue to remove plaque that may accumulate there.
Change toothbrushes when they become worn (about every 3-4 months) or after an illness.

Flossing

Since only 60% of the plaque is removed by toothbrushing, flossing is necessary to remove the plaque from between the teeth. Unwaxed floss is the preferred kind and should be used at least once a day. Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around the middle finger of each hand, so that the index fingers and thumbs are free to guide the floss around the tooth and under the gumline. Gently seesaw the floss between the teeth, curve the floss against the tooth and move it up and down under the gumline. See How to Floss.

Dental Products

Dental products are only aids to the toothbrush and floss; it is the brushing and flossing that count. Toothpaste is not absolutely necessary for brushing of teeth. Many kinds of toothpaste contain fluoride, which is an important component in strengthening the teeth. Toothpaste also helps freshen breath.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services