The most important habit you can cultivate to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to brush and floss every day. Brush for at least 2 minutes, at least twice a day, and floss between each and every tooth once daily.
Choosing a toothbrush
Always look for toothbrushes, pastes, and flosses with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance; these products have been evaluated by an independent body of scientific experts on behalf of the ADA, so you can be sure they’re safe and effective.
Choose a soft-bristled brush; hard bristles can aggravate and damage your gums and tooth enamel. Also be sure you’ve chosen a brush that’s the proper size and shape for your mouth. A brush that is too big or too small won’t reach everywhere in your mouth that plaque hides.
Best brushing practices
The American Dental Association suggests brushing at a 45 degree angle, in short, gentle strokes:
Finally, be sure to finish up your brushing routine with floss, which cleans in between your teeth where no brush can reach.
Don’t forget your regular check-up
An equally important habit, of course, is regular professional dental care. We encourage our patients to visit once every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning.
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