between the teeth, making 3–5 small circles for 1–2 seconds on each tooth. Bristles conform to tooth shapes. There are several other techniques: Scrub: simplest technique; toothbrush is held parallel to the gum line and horizontal movements are made to “scrub” the gum crevice, chewing surfaces, and surfaces close to the tongue Fones (Fones Rotary): oldest toothbrushing technique, mainly recommended for children. Involves a circular motion over the surfaces of the teeth Hirschfeld: modification of Fones technique, circular motion is smaller and concentrated over the gum crevice line Bass: emphasizes cleaning of area above and below gum line with horizontal brush movements Modified Bass: derived from Bass technique, adds vertical and sweeping motions to create circles around the gum line Stillman: similar to Bass technique, but instead uses vertical motions to clean above and below gum line, may be combined with the Bass technique Charters: the toothbrush head is placed at the gumline and is angled at a 45-degree angle toward the biting surface and short vibrations are applied with slight rotating movements As far as technique recommendations, the more simple Scrub and Fones techniques are recommended for use by children as they are likely easier to master than the more complex techniques. For adults, the more complex Bass and Modified Bass techniques are recommended. However, brushing techniques learned in childhood often carry over into adulthood and it is then difficult for adults to change these learned behaviours. Of high importance to note, is that more complex techniques are not necessarily more effective. While there are many different tooth brushing techniques, there is no evidence that any of them is superior to the others. Tooth brushing before breakfast/dinner One study found that brushing immediately after an acidic meal (such as diet soda or common breakfast foods like orange juice, coffee, citrus fruit, dried fruit, bread, or pastries) caused more damage to enamel and dentin compared to waiting 30 minutes. Flushing the acid away with water or dissolved baking soda could help reduce acid damage exacerbated by brushing. The same response was recommended for acid reflux and other acidic meals. Researchers and dentists have concluded that brushing immediately after consuming acidic beverages should be avoided. It is better to brush before breakfast or dinner. If brushing after a meal, wait at least a half hour after eating to prevent tooth damage. To protect tooth enamel, brushing immediately after waking is better