Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, two times a day. Both powered and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well. Manual brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with all flat, even bristles. Powered toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands.

Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don't clean as well. (They're also a sign you may be brushing too hard.) Replace toothbrushes after an event of throat infection or tonsillitis.

Most toothpaste will clear away bacteria growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance always has fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you want a non-fluoride option, stores carry toothpaste and powders made with natural ingredients that don't have ADA testing and approval.

Visit a dentist if you have any of these issues or see your child having trouble chewing or complaining of soreness:

• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

• Bleeding gums

• Tooth sensitivity

• Swollen face or gums

• Redness

• Dry mouth

• Broken teeth

• Mouth sores

• Jaw pain

Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth. Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers and chips, and biscuits. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter, Jaggery that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and brush your teeth afterward. If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water - which can help to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing stimulates the flow of your saliva which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance. And do not forget your regular dental visits. Good dental habits will go a long way toward a no-cavity visit.

Sensitivity toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate is very effective in treating sensitive teeth. After a few weeks of use, you may notice a decreased insensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, as well as tea and soda, can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against sensitive toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in-office to the roots of your tooth to reduce - if not eliminate - the sensitivity. High-fluoride-containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies, pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath

• Red or swollen gums

• Loose teeth or teeth that have moved

• A tooth that looks longer

• Not feeling fresh even after brushing teeth

• Sensitive teeth

• Pus coming from around the teeth

• Pain when chewing

• Tender gums

• Bleeding gums

People often respond to bleeding gums with the wrong method of treatment. Usually, gums that bleed are a symptom of the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis. But often, people stop brushing as frequently and effectively because it may be painful or it may cause the gums to bleed again. However, when gums are inflamed, brushing could help reduce the inflammation. More importantly, you should see your dentist have a periodontal screening and recording performed in order to determine the level of the disease present and the best treatment course to pursue.

It is also worth noting that chronic dental pain and discomfort are obvious signs of a problem. Over-the-counter drugs may provide some temporary relief. These medications usually only mask the existence of a problem and should be taken on a temporary basis.

It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if your gums begin to bleed.

In general, the cost of replacing a single tooth with a dental implant is almost the same as replacing it with a regular fixed bridge. Dental implant treatment may qualify for some insurance coverage, but situations vary. The cost will vary by patient needs, bone quantity, and region. A periodontist will make an assessment based on your unique needs.

It varies from individual to individual and with health and habits. For a healthy individual with good oral hygiene and good health, dental implants are predictably successful with reported success rates above 90-95 percent.

Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not susceptible to dental disease such as decay; however, the health of the gums is vital to maintaining lasting implant success. Conscientious home care by the patient and regular professional cleanings and check-ups are essential elements for dental implant sustainability. Each patient is different, and success relies upon diagnosis and planning, medical history, and a variety of other factors.

No, dental implants are fixed solidly in the bone and allow teeth to be replaced in a manner that is closest to natural teeth.

Visits to the dentist include more than just "checking teeth." While patients who wear dentures no longer have to worry about dental decay, they may have concerns with ill-fitting appliances or mouth sores to name a few. Annual visits to the dentist (or sooner if soreness is present) are recommended. During these visits, an oral cancer screening and head and neck exam will be performed as well as an evaluation of the fit or need for replacement of the existing appliances. Regular visits can help you to avoid more complicated problems down the road.