Proper prevention of many oral and dental diseases begins with the patient. Daily hygiene measures, including twice-daily brushing and flossing, are essential for clean teeth and overall good health.

Brushing

The first step in tooth brushing is finding a toothbrush that fits your mouth and has comfortable bristles. Manual and electric toothbrushes work equally well as long as the person understands how to use them.

Brushing should last for 2-3 minutes. A good rule of thumb is to divide the mouth into quadrants and spend at least 30 seconds brushing each. Make sure to brush the front and back of each tooth, the gums, and the tongue. Most dentists recommend that you brush at least twice a day to prevent plaque buildup.

It is important to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months as they lose their effectiveness over time.

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