1. Brush regularly and as soon after eating as possible - even after snacking. Brushing keeps small food particles from becoming giant feasts for unwanted bacteria. If possible, brush a full two minutes. Divide the teeth into quadrants and spend at least 30 seconds on each quadrant. Use the sulcus technique, angling the bristles and gently inserting and cleaning underneath the gum line while you brush. If you are not sure how to do this, ask your hygienist.
2. Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper. Why do a great job on your teeth only to have them come in immediate contact with the microbes living on the surface of your tongue? As an added benefit, your breath will be MUCH better!
3. Floss at least once a
day. Flossing further
cleans and removes calculus where your toothbrush cannot reach.
4. White teeth do not
necessarily mean healthy
teeth. While your biggest concern right now may be your
smile,
make sure that smile will be there, in good shape, years from
now. Tooth whitening is tremendously popular today and many
companies are catering to the market. While tooth whiteners
remove staining, to some degree, they do not necessarily do the
cleaning job required by your other efforts.
5. Finally, allow the
time, use the time, and be on
time. These are YOUR teeth. How you care for them
will
determine how they will care for you down the road. Your
attention to your good oral health could even save your life.