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How to Take Care of Your Teeth

Good oral health is important for your total well-being. The condition of the tissues and structures of your mouth affect your general physical condition, ability to chew and speak, appearance, and personal relations.
To help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, practice proper brushing and flossing and see your dentist regularly. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you proper brushing technique. Also, you may want to ask your dentist about additional ways to prevent tooth decay, such as sealants for teeth and fluoride treatments.
Brush your teeth correctly for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. The most important time to brush is before you go to sleep. It is also a good idea to brush or rinse after meals. Floss between your teeth once a day.
In my experience I suggest that you brush your teeth in the following manner:
Position the head of the toothbrush against your teeth, with the tips of the bristle angled against the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Move the brush in a gentle, circular scrubbing motion. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gum line. Use the same motion to brush the inside surfaces of the teeth.
Scrub chewing surfaces of all teeth. Only the tips of the bristles on the toothbrush can clean the teeth. Use a light pressure so that the bristles do not bend. Let the bristles reach into the grooves of the teeth. Change the position of the toothbrush often. To clean inside the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make gentle up and down strokes with the front part of the brush over the teeth and gum tissue of the upper and lower jaws. Brush the tongue to refresh your breath and remove bacteria.
A brush with soft, end-rounded or polished bristles is less likely to injure gum tissues than one with hard bristles. A brush with hard bristles can cause abrasion to the teeth. Abrasion is the wearing away of the tooth structure, especially along the gum line. Abrasions make it easier for bacteria and acids to damage the tooth because the hard, protective enamel layer has been brushed away. The hard bristles can also cause damage by making the gum line recede (push back) away from the tooth.

Replace your brush at the first sign that the bristles have become splayed or matted. Store your brush uncovered in a dry place so that it can dry out between brushings. Never share your toothbrush with anyone. It contains bacteria that can be passed from one person to another no matter how well you clean the brush. Some electric toothbrushes can clean better than manual brushes. People with handicaps and young children may find an electric toothbrush easier to use. Ask your dentist which type of brush will clean your teeth more effectively.
Preventing decay with a healthy diet
Decay occurs only when the inside of the mouth is acidic. This happens when you eat starchy or sugary foods (carbohydrates). You can help prevent decay by avoiding highly sugary or sticky foods or brushing your teeth right after you eat these foods. Rinsing with water after you eat or drink sugar-containing foods can also help reduce the amount of acid and help wash away food plaque from the teeth.
Snacks to avoid include: candy, cookies, cake, pie ,soda pop and other sugary liquids ,gum sweetened with sugar, including high fructose corn syrup ,crackers, breadsticks, chips ,dried fruits; raisins are not only sweet but also sticky and cling to the teeth.
Snacks to choose include:
fresh fruit (However, because some fruit, such as oranges, pineapples, and peaches, are high in natural sugar and acid; frequent fruit snacks may damage your teeth. It is best to rinse your mouth with water after eating these fruits and not brush your teeth until 45 minutes after you ate the fruit.) fresh vegetables ,cheese ,unsalted nuts ,unsweetened fruit juices ,popcorn (unsalted) ,hard-boiled eggs ,bean dips.
A healthy diet is the cornerstone of dental health. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains is healthy for teeth and gums. Foods such as raw apples help clean the teeth and make good snacks. Milk is a good snack and a good mealtime drink. Drink it with sweet foods to help wash sugar from your mouth.