You should be brushing for at least 2 minutes (we say 5 because everyone thinks they are brushing longer than what they actually are, say 5 you will probably brush for 2). You want to make sure that the toothbrush bristles are half on your tooth and half on your gums. Angle the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards the gums. You want to brush only 2-3 teeth at a time. Almost vibrate the toothbrush and end with a sweeping motion away from the gums. (Sonicare is an excellent electric toothbrush, the Oral B Braun is another good one!)
You should brush morning, after lunch. and before you go to bed. More often if you build up plaque easy.
Floss good at least once a day. Dont just flick the floss in and out, you really need to curve it and scrub on each side of each tooth, under the gums.
Mouthwash is a good adjunct to flossing and brushing. Listerine is a common favorite but I do not like to recommend it because it has a lot of alcohol in it (22%!) and that ends up drying out your mouth. Saliva is a good thing, it naturally cleanses the teeth and reduces the acids from the foods and drinks you ingest. I like the rinses by Crest (ProHealth rinse) and Breath Rx to reduce the bacteria that causes plaque. ACT fluoride rinse is a good rinse to use to help reduce cavities.
If you get a lot of 'stuff' stuck in between your teeth you can also use a WaterPik, it is great at removing debris, bacteria, and it helps massage the gums.
Of course visit you dental hygienist at least every 6 months and ask him or her what they recommend for you, since they see exactly what you look like and what problems you may have!
Remember, only floss the ones you want to keep!!!
2006-06-25 13:36:37
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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According to the dentist, you only need to brush and floss twice a day for a full two minutes. Mouthwash is not a must. But I like using mouthwash.
2006-06-26 08:41:45
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answer #2
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answered by bostonchick 5
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First of all, it should take at least 3 minutes to brush your teeth properly. And second of all, you should brush, floss, and mouthwash at least twice a day.
2006-06-25 22:58:21
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answer #3
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answered by lelandlover5 2
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floss 1
mouthwash 2
teeth after u eat
2006-06-25 19:23:20
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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the dentist suggests 3 minutes max. for brushing,recommended twice a day as is flossing,mouthwash is best at night after eating to prevent overnight tartar and buildup but the more use of floss brushing or mouthwash the better.
2006-06-25 19:26:40
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answer #5
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answered by Shooter 1
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My dentist says to brush a least twice a day for 2 minutes. Floss twice too. Listerine is good for gums 2 times a day and Act (mouthwash) once a day to prevent cavities. See a dentist for a cleaning every six months.
2006-06-25 19:24:36
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answer #6
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answered by noseygirl 5
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My dentist stresses minimum 5 minutes to brush teeth. They should be flossed once daily and brushed at least twice daily. Mouthwash same as brushing.
2006-06-25 19:23:53
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answer #7
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answered by subbie4gb 3
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Brush for two minutes. Mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. Floss until you get it all done. Do this at least twice a day! Remember, consumer reports listed Ultrabrite toothpaste (about $1...super cheap) as the best whitening toothpaste!
2006-06-25 19:24:38
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answer #8
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answered by ashliekeylon 3
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I have children in elementary school. They're learning to brush for at least 5 mins. , clean your tongue(cause of most bad breath even if you've brushed), floss 2 times per day.
2006-06-25 19:28:01
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answer #9
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answered by rosette 1
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ideally you should be brushing for two minutes by clock. And follow the right technique. Flossing ever nite too. Over the Counter Mouth rinses are only good for fresh breath, they dont help remove plaque.
2006-06-25 20:09:21
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answer #10
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answered by shina 1
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