How do I teach my child to brush their teeth properly?

By the age of 5 or 6, children should be able to brush their own teeth supervised, until about age 9. Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of the teeth. When teaching children to brush, place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle, start along gum line with a soft bristle toothbrush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surface of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.