• 2 minutes and twice a day; that’s the mantra to brushing the right way

• Always use gentle strokes-keep your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle

• Always replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months

• Clean every part of your teeth-inner, outer, and everything in between

Before we answer, let’s review a simple question. Do you know the difference when presented with 2 different types of toothbrushes? In most cases, the answer is, no.

So the first step is to figure out the parameters that define a good toothbrush.

How do you do that? Well, here’s a quick guide.

Size: The best toothbrushes are the ones whose heads can reach all the surfaces of your teeth. A good toothbrush generally has a head that’s half-inch wide and one-inch tall with a handle that’s easy to grip.

Bristle Variety: Toothbrushes come in 3 main types, soft, medium and hard bristles. For the majority of people, soft bristles are the safest choice as it preserves the enamel on the teeth. However, depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth, you could also use medium and hard bristle toothbrushes. A further good practice, when selecting your brush is to ensure that you have rounded tips for further tooth protection.

Consult An Expert: If you’re unsure of what toothbrush to use, always asks an expert. You could also visit our dental clinic in Adyar in case of any doubts or queries. Our doctors are always ready to help you with all your questions.

Toothpaste is made of several different components that all have different roles to play in helping fight germs and bacteria buildup. The most important of these is fluoride. Fluoride is mainly used to strengthen tooth enamel and adds a protective layer around the teeth. Apart from fluorides, toothpaste also contains elements like silicates, saccharin, etc.

Depending on your requirements, there are different kinds of toothpaste you can choose from;

• For daily use, try using a toothpaste with a high amount of fluoride as it strengthens teeth.

• If you’re looking for a white and bright smile, you could consider a toothpaste with a high percentage of silicates.

• Some kinds of toothpaste are also specialized to fight a specific issue. These include cavities, tartar buildup or teeth sensitivity. Consult your dentist to find which brand works best for your requirements.