And I have an answer...not sure if it's the one you want, though.
Brush. Floss. Eat healthy foods. And see your dentist regularly. Those are the most fundamental steps for keeping healthy teeth and gums. Of course, an asset as important as your smile deserves more in-depth information, so keep reading…
Selecting a toothbrush. Life used to be so simple. But today even buying a toothbrush can be confusing. The selection of brushes ranges from the no-frills, handle-and-bristles economy model to ones that vibrate, beep, and some that cost more than a years’ worth of dental check-ups. Does all of this high-tech wizardry make our teeth and gums healthier? Nine out of ten dentists will tell you that it’s simply a matter of preference. And if it’s more fun to use a brush that jiggles or that’s shaped like a space ship, it might just make your brush longer. Which is good. The most important thing is to brush at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush whose size and shape fits your hand and allows you to reach the surfaces of every tooth. It’s that simple.
Replace regularly. Don’t forget, though, that brushes wear out. Once the bristles become worn or splayed, the brush can’t clean your teeth well and may even injure your gums. So, toothbrushes need to be replaced every three or four months, or sooner if you notice the bristles become worn.
Don’t scrub your teeth away! Did you know you can damage your teeth and gums by brushing too hard? Over time, 'scrubbing' can weaken teeth, even though a hard layer of enamel covers them. Vigorous brushing can also cause gums to recede and expose the tooth root. That's one reason teeth become sensitive to hot and cold. And, because the softer surface of the tooth root isn't protected by enamel, it's prone to decay. In fact, much of the decay we see in adults occurs along exposed tooth root surfaces.
Floss daily. Remember, too, that your toothbrush can’t reach areas between the teeth. So it’s also important to clean between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. It’s those bits and pieces of food that get caught in between the teeth and along the gum line that lead to plaque build-up and gum disease.
Look for the Seal. And, of course, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on all dental products.
2006-08-13 17:28:48
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answer #2
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answered by ted_armentrout 5
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Well, what is the question?
2006-08-13 17:09:52
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answer #4
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answered by Jessica 2
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