You get one set of pearly whites -- here's how to sort fact from fiction so you can take care of them and keep them healthy for life! (11 Photos)
Arricca Elin SanSone on Aug 31, 2012 at 2:29PM
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Even though we’ve been doing it since we were kids, most of us don’t brush long enough, often enough or with the correct technique. “You have to brush a minimum of two to three minutes, twice a day, to knock down decay-causing bacteria,” says Mark Malterud, D.D.S., spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. To do it correctly, use a soft-bristled brush with a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Angle the brush toward the gumline, making short, circular movements on the inside, outside and top of your teeth and gums. “And don’t forget your tongue because it harbors plenty of bacteria, too,” says Malterud. If you use an electric toothbrush, don’t push too hard -- you could erode the enamel or injure your gums.
