1.Proper brushing takes at least two minutes — that’s right, 120 seconds! Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

2.Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth

3.Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth

4. Clean the chewing surfaces For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too.

A toothbrush is used for cleaning one’s teeth.

However, using an improper brushing technique can actually cause you to harm your teeth! In such cases, dentists call this “toothbrush trauma.” The wrong brushing technique may cause and/or worsen defects on the tooth necks.

If the toothbrush is scrubbed back and forth across the teeth horizontally, the bristles of a hard toothbrush may cause or increase a wedge. Dentists call this a toothbrush trauma. Sometimes, however, the gums are injured as well; gum injury can also be part of a toothbrush trauma. Excessive brushing may cause the gums to recede.

Discoloration – Since the dentin of the tooth is exposed during tooth erosion, discoloration or yellowing of the teeth can occur.

Tooth Sensitivity – Sensitive teeth are very common symptoms of tooth erosion because the enamel that protects the teeth wears away, leaving exposed dentin.

Rounded Teeth – During the early stages of tooth erosion, it is common for teeth to have a rounded look.

Transparent or Sand Blasted Appearance – It is not uncommon in the early stages of tooth erosion for the teeth to have a sand blasted look or for the tips of the front teeth to look transparent.

Advanced and Severe Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

Cracking – If tooth erosion continues into the advanced stage, the edges of the teeth can start to crack and have a rough feeling.

Dents – Little dents, also called cupping, can start to appear on the biting areas of the teeth.

Extreme Sensitivity – Since the enamel wears away during tooth erosion, the teeth can become extremely sensitive during the advanced stages of tooth erosion.

Many people simply have sensitive teeth. It’s a condition that is also frequently experienced by those who have recently undergone a dental procedure.

Sensitive toothpastes are specially formulated to address this problem. They contain ingredients (usually potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride) to prevent sensitivity so you feel little or no discomfort when brushing.

Some people report that using a whitening toothpaste makes their teeth more sensitive. For this reason, many tooth-whitening pastes are now formulated for sensitive teeth.  Also, you can also help protect your sensitive teeth by using a soft or extra-soft bristle toothbrush in conjunction with sensitive toothpaste. This will help you feel comfortable enough to maintain your oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing.

If your sensitive teeth are due to a temporary condition, such as recovery from a dental procedure, you might consider using a sensitive toothpaste during your recovery and then resume using your previous favorite toothpaste when your teeth have returned to normal.

Good dental hygiene habits should begin before your child’s first tooth comes in. Wiping your baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When teeth appear, start using a soft children’s toothbrush twice a day.

Once your child is preschool-age, start using fluoride toothpaste. Don’t cover the brush with toothpaste; a pea-sized amount is just right. Young children tend to swallow most of the toothpaste, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause permanent stains on their teeth.

Causes of Toothaches

Toothaches have many causes, from gum disease to jaw clenching, but tooth root sensitivity can also cause a tooth to ache.

The tooth root includes the lower two-thirds of the tooth, and it is usually buried in the jawbone. But when gum disease develops, the bacteria that cause the disease can also dissolve the bone around the tooth root. The combination of dissolved bone and receding gums means that more of the tooth root is exposed. Without protection from healthy gums and healthy bone, the root often becomes sensitive to hot and cold and to sour foods.In some cases, the sensitivity is so severe that you may avoid very hot, cold or sour foods.

If the root exposure is not severe, try using a special toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth that contains fluoride and other minerals. The extra fluoride and minerals will help to strengthen the exposed root and make it less sensitive.

The best way to manage root sensitivity and to prevent gum disease with a consistent oral health care program of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Try a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums, which can increase the risk of root exposure and sensitivity

It’s a good idea to visit the dentist when you’re pregnant. This is because the hormones circulating in your body can affect your gums.Your gums are more likely to bleed and there is a greater chance of them becoming inflamed or infected. Having a gum infection can lead to your teeth being damaged. You’re also more likely to get a build-up of plaque (a type of bacteria) on your teeth.Serious gum infections are called gingivitis or periodontal disease.If you’re finding it difficult to stay healthy, this can affect the way your baby grows.

Keeping your own teeth is important for healthy eating. Natural teeth help you chew foods better and easier than you can with dentures . Because infections can make gums sore and uneven, dentures may not fit right. Be sure to tell your dentist if your dentures hurt.

Have a dental checkup at least every six months.

1. Take good care of your teeth and gums. At least twice a day, brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss every day to clean between the teeth.
2. If your gums bleed while you are brushing your teeth or eating, or a bad taste stays in your mouth, go to the dentist. Tell your dentist about any other changes you see, such as white patches, in your mouth.

If you suffer from chronic, severe bad breath, also known as halitosis, it’s important to identify the cause so you can determine an effective treatment.

Halitosis has many causes, including the following:

• Tobacco use. If you smoke, quit. Your bad breath may be due to other causes, too, but tobacco use is a guarantee of bad breath
• What you eat, or don’t eat. Certain foods, such as garlic, contribute to bad breath, but only temporarily. Once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, the smell is expelled through the breath.
• Dry mouth. If your mouth is extremely dry, there is not enough saliva to wash away excess food particles and bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell if they build up on the teeth.
• Infections. Bad breath that seems to have no other cause may indicate an infection elsewhere in the body. Bad breath can be a sign of a range of conditions including respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis or bronchitis, diabetes, or liver and kidney problems, so it’s important not to ignore the problem.

The best way to improve bad breath is to follow a thorough oral care routine including twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to remove the food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Mouthwashes only improve bad breath for the short term.

Food Choices That Prevent Tooth Decay:  It’s no fun passing up sugary treats like cookies and candies. But when it comes to tooth decay, food choices play an important role. Some foods can harm your teeth, while others contain essential nutrients to keep them healthy and strong. To help prevent tooth decay, keep the following food choices in mind.

Fruit, Fiber and Veggies:  Eating high-fiber foods keeps saliva flowing, which helps create mineral defenses against tooth decay. Good sources of fiber are dried fruits such as dates, raisins and figs, and fresh fruits, like bananas, apples and oranges. Other options include veggies, such as beans, Brussels sprouts and peas, along with peanuts, almonds and bran.