Choosing your toothbrush and toothpaste

• Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is your best bet. Irrespective of how old you are, use a soft brush. A small-headed toothbrush can help you reach the nook and corners of your mouth. Cleaning is easier with a small-headed toothbrush.

  It is important to change your toothbrush every three months. If it is not yet three months but the bristles look tattered, change your toothbrush immediately. Wayzata advises that you change your toothbrush if you have had cold; you may catch the infection again if you are not careful.

• Toothpaste: Go for a fluoride-based toothpaste. If you drink water mixed with fluoride, you do not need fluoride toothpaste. You may even make toothpaste at home. Click here to learn how.

Brushing enough and at the right time

• Play your favorite song while you brush. You should brush your teeth for at least 2-3 minutes.

• Do not brush immediately after meals. There should be a gap of about an hour between consuming something and brushing your teeth.

Brushing the right way

• Hold the brush at 45 degrees angle from your teeth surface.
• Brush the front teeth with upward and downward motions.
• Apply short strokes to brush your teeth. At one time, brush only one tooth; keep the stroke aligned to one tooth at a time.
• Brush both sides of your front and side teeth.
• The molars or the last teeth in the two sides on both the upper and lower teeth sets have three exposed sides. Brush the front, back, and top of the molars.
• Be gentle when brushing; do not be too harsh on the teeth.
• Gently brush along the gum line to prevent any plaque formation.
• Floss the places that the toothbrush cannot reach like the gaps between your teeth.

Happy smiling!

Tags: Brushing, Toothbrush, Toothpaste