Taking care of your teeth is just as important as exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. According to the ADA (also known as the American Dental Association) you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. It would be more advisable to use a soft-bristled brush rather than a hard-bristled brush because teeth are covered in enamel and brushing too hard with this type of toothbrush (hard or medium) can wear the enamel down. The level of risk for cavities is very high if the enamel is worn down from the harsh brushing of this particular brand of toothbrush. Hard brushes can also be a little too much for tender gums to deal with which could cause your gums to recede.

If you were ever told by anyone to replace your toothbrush every four to six months don’t believe the hype. A toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months or even sooner if the bristles become too soft or frayed. The right size of a toothbrush all depends on how it reaches your teeth. If the toothbrush can easily reach all the areas of your mouth then that is the brush you should be using on a daily basis. The areas of the teeth that should be cleaned when brushing are the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth along with brushing the tongue (a toothbrush with a tongue scraper is preferred) to kill any odor-causing bacteria. The prevention of oral disease can always be done by maintaining good health care such as brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting your dentist every four to six months.

For some these health tips on oral care might seem basic and not taken seriously but the consequences to someone’s pearly whites could be devastating to those who do not follow them.