Oral health: Tips for proper dental care 1

Oral health: Tips for proper dental care
Get daily dental care tips and learn ways to protect your oral health. See which symptoms should prompt a call to your dentist.

Don't take your smile for granted. Maintain good oral health by practicing regular dental care habits and reporting problems to your dentist promptly. Clean your teeth daily and see your dentist one to two times a year to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems.
Brushing for oral health

Follow these tips on how to brush your teeth:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush — it's gentler on your gums.
To brush properly, hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and use short back-and-forth motions.
Brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Brush your teeth for about two minutes each time you brush.
Brush your tongue.
Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if it becomes frayed.
Consider using an electric toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush well.
Flossing for oral health

A toothbrush can't reach all the tight spaces between your teeth or the areas under your gumline. That can allow plaque to build up, threatening your oral health. Flossing, though, removes those particles and improves oral health.