How to brush someone else's teeth

Helping someone brush their teeth can feel awkward at first. With a calm routine, it becomes easier for both of you, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent pain, infection and tooth loss.

What you need

• A soft toothbrush (a small head is easier). An electric brush can help.
• Fluoride toothpaste, a pea-sized amount.
• A towel, and a cup of water if the person can rinse and spit.

Step by step

1. Choose a good position. Sit or stand slightly behind or beside the person, with their head supported. Good light helps.
2. Explain what you are doing. Use short, simple words, and tell them before you start each part.
3. Brush gently in small circles, angling the brush towards the gum line. Clean the outside, inside and biting surfaces of every tooth.
4. Brush for about two minutes, twice a day. Last thing at night is the most important.
5. Spit, don’t rinse. Leaving a little toothpaste on the teeth helps protect them.

If the person resists

• Try a different time of day, or a different room.
• Let them hold the brush too, or brush your own teeth alongside them.
• Stop, stay calm, and try again a little later. A short clean is better than none.

When to call us

Tell us if you notice bleeding gums, a sore that does not heal within two weeks, a broken tooth, bad breath that does not go away, or if the person suddenly stops eating or pulls at their face. These can be signs of pain they cannot describe.