Brushing your Teeth

1. For the outer portion of tooth surfaces, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum margin and stroke the brush from the gum area towards the tooth(Red to white)

2. To clean the outer front tooth surfaces, hold the brush upright and use gentle up and down strokes with the tip of the toothbrush.

3. For the chewing surface use gentle, short back and forth strokes.

4. After brushing the teeth make sure to clean the tongue also, you can use the same toothbrush and apply gentle strokes.

5. After brushing do not forget to massage gums with finger and rinse thoroughly

Toothpaste

A toothpaste is an oral hygiene aid used generally along with a toothbrush. A toothpaste contains constituents that help in removal of plaque.

A pea sized amount of fine textured toothpaste is enough for brushing twice a day.

The paste should preferably be white in colour and gels may be avoided as they may not be very effective in cleaning tooth surfaces.

Use of excessive amounts of toothpaste should be avoided.

In children less than 3 years of age, it is best to avoid usage of toothpaste.

Fluoridated toothpaste should be used only on the prescription of a dentist.

Most Common Ingredients

Mild abrasive - With help from your toothbrush, these help to remove debris and surface stains.

Humectants - This ingredient helps to prevent water loss, and keeps your toothpaste from drying out or getting gummy.

Flavoring agents - This is what gives your toothpaste a little bit of sweetness, and minty fresh scent. Since these do not contain sugar, they also do not promote tooth decay.

Thickening agents - Also known as binders, these help to stabilize the toothpaste formula. 

Detergent - Foaming action comes from detergent. It also helps to spread the toothpaste through your whole mouth, and helps clean teeth.

Toothbrush

The bristles of the toothbrush should be soft in texture.

Change the toothbrush once the bristles are frayed or get hardened with time, preferably every three months