The most important thing you should do to maintain a healthy oral condition is brushing. This should be a part of your daily dental care routine. You might find many people, even though they brush daily, still suffer from many oral problems. This is because, as much as it is important to brush daily, it is more important to brush properly.
Brushing takes about 2 minutes. More than that can be harmful to enamel; less than that might not clean your teeth properly. You should go for short, gentle strokes and pay extra attention to the gum lines. Firstly, you should clean the outer surface of the upper teeth, followed by the lower teeth. Then go to the inner surface of the upper teeth, followed by the lower teeth. Then clean the chewing surface; do not forget to clean your tongue.
One should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and food debris from teeth. Small-headed toothbrushes are the best as they reach the innermost corners of the mouth. You can also use a powered toothbrush as they are quite good at removing all the dirt. However, remember that once your toothbrush shows wear, which is usually within three months, you should change it. If you have had a cold, change your toothbrush as the germs might cause re-infection.
There is a wide variety of toothpaste available for different conditions. Some can treat cavities and gingivitis, while others treat stains, sensitivity, etc. Depending on your oral needs, you can choose the right one. If you are unsure, go to your dentist and ask him to suggest the right toothpaste.