Proper brushing takes at least two minutes — that's right, 120 seconds! Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

1. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
2. Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
3. Clean the chewing surfaces For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too.