Keeping your teeth clean and healthy shouldn't be a chore. Use these simple tips to make your smile truly shine through.

Brush at least twice a day.

Brush with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes or more after meals and before bed. It's the only way to move bacteria and plaque and prevent tooth decay and bad breath.

Pay attention to technique.

Angle your brush at 45° brushing up from the gumline to teeth with back-and-forth strokes. Be gentle—brushing too forcefully can damage enamel and gums. Remember to brush the backs and tops of your teeth and the roof of your mouth. Brushing your tongue gently from back to front is important too. Bacteria forms a sticky film on your tongue, just like it causes plaque buildup on your teeth. If you don’t remove tongue film every day, more bacteria grow and mouth odor will develop.

Protect sensitive teeth.

If your teeth tingle or ache after having certain goods or drinks or brushing your teeth, you have sensitive teeth. See your dentist for a thorough check-up of your teeth and gums, and use toothpaste especially for sensitive teeth.

Replace your brush.

Newer toothbrushes remove 30% more plague, so replace your brush every three months (or as soon as you notice wear).

Don’t forget to floss.

Floss goes where even the best toothbrush can’t, removing food particles, harmful bacteria and plaque. Floss before you brush. Wrap an 18-inch piece of floss between two teeth, holding both ends between your fingers. Move it back and forth gently, without digging into your gums, for a few seconds. Curve it around a tooth to slide it back up, advance to fresh part of floss and repeat on your other teeth.

Eat a balanced diet.

You'll look and feel better — and so will your teeth — if you eat lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Both adults and children should limit cavity-causing sweets and sodas or choose sugar-free varieties. Snack on nutritious raw fruits and vegetables, yogurt or cheese.

Avoid tobacco.

Cigarettes and other tobacco products stain your teeth and cause bad breath. They also can lead to life-threatening oral, lung and other cancers. Ask your doctor for help to quit, or use stop-smoking aids.

Don’t take shortcuts.

Breath sprays, mouthwashes and mints only give you a temporary feeling of freshness. They’re not substitutes for thorough brushing and flossing.

Go to the dentist.

Daily brushing and flossing is essential, but so is professional dental care. Don’t wait until a problem develops. Go at least once a year for an exam, cleaning and x-rays.

See your doctor too.

If you’re taking care of your teeth but still having mouth pain or bad breath, an underlying medical problem could be the cause. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns.

For additional information on tooth care and Aquafresh^® please visit www.dental-professional.ca.