Dental Care.....

· Use a soft bristled brush, preferably one with rounded, synthetic bristles.

· Replace your toothbrush approximately every two to three months or as soon as the bristles are worn or bent. A worn-out toothbrush does not clean your teeth properly, and may actually injure your gums. You should also replace your toothbrush after you've had a cold.

· Be sure your brush is the right size (in general, smaller is better than larger).

· Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the gum line, and slide the tips of the brush under the gums.

· Gently jiggle the bristles or move it in small circles over the tooth and gums.

· Brush the outside, the inside, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. For chewing surfaces, use a light back and forth motion.

· For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower jaws: Tilt your brush vertically and make several strokes up and down with the front part of the brush over the teeth and gum tissues.

· Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath. Debris and bacteria can collect on your tongue and cause bad breath.

· Since your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time, change its position to clean each tooth properly.

· Brush at least once every day, preferably at bedtime. Adding a brush time after breakfast increases your chances of thorough daily plaque removal.

· Take your time: A thorough brushing should take at least 3 minutes.

· Don't brush your teeth too vigorously, and don't use a hard bristled toothbrush, since it causes the gums to recede and exposes root surfaces. It also wears down the tooth structure. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.

· A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste is sufficient.

· Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread, as a worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.