Sometimes, with everything else you have on your mind while you are driving, it’s easy to forget proper dental care. Here are a few quick reminders that can help take care of your teeth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and take your time. Most dental experts say three minutes – about the length of most popular songs – is about right.
- Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle — aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Gently brush with short a back-and-forth motion.
- Brush everything: the outsides, insides and chewing surfaces of your teeth. And, don’t forget to brush your tongue, even if it does feel weird.
- Always rinse your toothbrush with water thoroughly after brushing.
- Get a new tooth brush every three months or so.
- Yes, you do need to floss. Break off about 18 inches of dental floss, wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand. Grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion, one tooth at a time.
- As long as you do a good job, it doesn’t matter if you brush or floss first.