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Personal Care & Hygiene
Lesson 2 of 7 · Daily Basics5 min

Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth keeps your mouth healthy and your breath fresh. It also helps you avoid pain from cavities. The good news: it only takes about two minutes, twice a day.

In this lesson

  • Know when to brush your teeth.
  • Follow the steps to brush the right way.

When to brush

Brush your teeth two times a day. Once in the morning and once before bed works well for most people.

  • Morning. Brush after you wake up or after breakfast.

  • Night. Brush right before you go to sleep.

What you need

  • A toothbrush (soft bristles are best).
  • Toothpaste with fluoride.
  • Water.

Steps to brush your teeth

  • Step 1. Put a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush. A pea-sized amount is enough.

  • Step 2. Brush the front, back, and top of your teeth using small circles.

  • Step 3. Brush for about two minutes. Try humming a song to keep track of time.

  • Step 4. Spit out the toothpaste. You do not need to swallow it.

  • Step 5. Rinse your brush and put it away to dry.

Don't forget

Change your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles look bent.

Many dentists also suggest flossing once a day to clean between your teeth.

Quick check

Try these to see what you remember. There are no grades — pick an answer to see how you did.

1. How many times a day should you brush your teeth?

2. About how long should you brush?

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