New York ? It’s important to get kids to make brushing their teeth part of their regular routines, but it’s just as important to get them to brush the right way.

As part of its Healthy Smiles campaign, Crest offers technique tips, which work for youngsters from toddlers to teen-agers. According to Crest, dentists and hygienists often recommend parents use a simple, gentle, short, back-and-forth motion to remove plaque from infants’ teeth.

Guidelines for brushing include:

To clean the outer and inner surfaces, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Start along the gum line and use short, gentle, tooth-wide strokes.

To clean chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and move it back and forth.

For the inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the toe of the brush.

Remember to brush the tongue. Use a back-to-front sweeping method to remove food particles and freshen breath.