Tips to Do Brush and Flossing

Here are a handful of things to keep in mind the next time you grab your toothbrush

Brush at Least Twice a Day-No matter how poor your current brushing technique might be, you need to go at it at least twice a day to keep your teeth in top shape. The toothpaste you use can vary widely. It may be fluoride or tartar control, gel-based or cream based, mouth wash containing toothpastes and whitening toothpastes to bring back the shininess to your teeth.

Is the type of tooth brush important?

Use a soft bristled brush. a hard bristled brush can result in microscopic cuts, scrapes and abrasions on your gums

The Motion is the Key

Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth.

• Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your teeth.
• To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices.
• To clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth and gums hold the brush almost vertical. With back and forth motions bring the front part of the brush over the teeth and gums.
• Using a forward-sweeping motion, gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove the decay-causing bacteria that exist in these places.

Time it

According to the American Dental Association, you should spend about two minutes total brushing your teeth each time you do it.

Be Gentle

Perhaps the most important part of brushing your teeth is the amount of force you use. With the right toothpaste, a new toothbrush and the right technique, a gentle scrub will be more than adequate to rid your mouth of plaque and foul odor. By pressing as hard as you can, you are simply costing yourself precious enamel and a mouthful of blood from tiny cuts you make in your gums.

New is Better

On average, a toothbrush can last you about four months, but if you wear braces and you are shredding your brush sooner than that, you may want to renew every month or so. One last note, you don't need the fancy new brush with the gum massages and remote control attached to the end. A basic brush is all you need to keep your mouth in top shape.

Facts on Flossing

Brushing is important but it won't remove the plaque and particles of food between your teeth, under the gum line, or under braces. You'll need to floss these spaces at least once a day.

The type of floss you choose depends on how much space you have between your teeth. untaxed floss are thinner and easier to slide through small spaces.

With any floss, you should be careful to avoid injuring your gums. Follow these instructions:

• Carefully insert the floss between two teeth, using a back and forth motion. Gently bring the floss to the gum line, but don't force it under the gums. Curve the floss around the edge of your tooth in the shape of the letter "C" and slide it up and down the side of each tooth.
• Repeat this process between all your teeth, and remember to floss the back sides of your back teeth.