It is important that people give equal importance to dental health care and general health care, and stop treating the former just as a supplementary of the latter. Neglecting your teeth might lead to serious trouble for you in the future. Many people are afraid of going to the dentist, causing them to neglect their dental care. You should overcome this fear. Keep in mind, though, that there is hardly any substitute for regular personal care.

Ever since childhood, you must have heard your parents telling you to brush your teeth. The best way to do so is to ensure that your brush should be against the gums at 45 degree angle. You should proceed with gentle strokes, and brush each side and the top. Make it a point to brush your tongue too. Do not keep the same toothbrush for eternity; try to change it every six weeks or so.

Take proper care of your toothbrush. Remember that this is the object that enters your mouth daily, coming in contact with billions of bacteria. Never ever share your toothbrush with anyone, as it entails a huge risk of cross-contamination. Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after use. If many toothbrushes are kept together, do not allow them to come in contact with one another. Opinions differ on the storage of toothbrushes in a disinfectant. Some opine that it is more harmful to store the toothbrush in the same disinfectant repeatedly, as it might result in cross-contamination.

Do not keep your toothbrush in a closed container that can turn out to be a favorite spot for bacteria to form. Your floss should be 16 to 18 inches in length. Wrap the floss around each of your middle fingers and slip it between your teeth. Form a U shape against the side of one tooth. Starting at the gum line, use a gentle rubbing motion to remove the particles of food. Repeat with each adjacent tooth. Remember to take up the slack so that you are using a clean section of floss for each tooth.