There are three surfaces of each tooth to be cleaned – the outer, inner and chewing surfaces. When brushing, be systematic so as to ensure that all teeth are cleaned well.  A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is enough for children below seven years as this will prevent them from swallowing excess toothpaste.

• Outer surfaces

When brushing, place the toothbrush bristles at 45 degrees to the gumline. Gently brush the outer surfaces of two to three teeth using small, circular movements while the teeth are slightly open. Move brush to the next group of two to three teeth and repeat. Start at the back and brush slowly towards the front. To brush the front teeth, close your teeth so that it is easier to perform the circular movements.

Start with the outer surfaces

•  Inner surfaces

Maintain your 45 degree angle to clean the inner surfaces of your teeth. Brush gently, using circular movements along all the inner tooth surfaces. Hold your toothbrush upright behind the front teeth, brush gently from the gums to the tooth making up and down strokes, using the front half of the brush.
 

Next, the inner surfaces

•  Chewing surfaces

Place brush against the chewing surfaces of the teeth and use gentle to and fro circular movements to clean teeth. Brush on the top right side, then the top left side, the bottom right side, and finally the bottom left side. Start at the back and brush slowly towards the front. Don’t forget to brush the tongue from back to front to remove odour-producing bacteria.
 
Last, the chewing surfaces

Important note: As young children may find it difficult to brush their teeth on their own, parents should supervise their children’s toothbrushing efforts until they are about seven or eight years old.