Brush
How thoroughly you brush your teeth is more important than how often you brush.
Remember it is in the spots you miss that the problems start. Here are five tips to
improve your brushing:
- Take the time to carefully and gently clean each tooth, ideally twice a day. The average
person brushes for less than 35 seconds. A good brushing takes at least two to three
minutes. Look in a mirror to see that the teeth are clean.
- Be gentle, particularly when cleaning where the gums meet the teeth. Hold the
brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, and gently wiggle the bristles back and forth
using short strokes. Remember to brush your tongue, too, or use a specially designed
tongue cleaner tool like an "Oolit".
- Use a soft toothbrush which is less likely to damage your teeth and gums. Choose a
size and shape that enables your to easily reach every tooth. The brush should fit
easily behind your lower six front teeth.
- Be sure to change your toothbrush frequently. Every three months is recommended
(more often if you've been ill).
- Remember to floss too, since no amount of careful brushing can clean between your teeth!
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