You’ve probably been brushing your teeth twice a day as long as you can remember. But are you brushing your teeth using the proper technique? At Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska, the best cosmetic dental care practice in Anchorage, Alaska, the oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts on brushing teeth; they know how it can prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

Whether you’ve just had oral surgery or dental implants, the key to a happy and healthy smile is practicing good oral care habits. Here are five brushing tips from the cosmetic dental care experts at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska:

• Use The Right Toothbrush: The drugstore might sell hard-bristled brushes, but you shouldn’t buy them. Always use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush your teeth. Brushing too hard can damage your gums. The size and shape of your brush will depend on the size of your hand and mouth. Find one that’s comfortable to use.

• Use The Right Toothpaste: Always use an American Dental Association-approved fluoridated toothpaste. A pea-sized amount should do.

• Tilt The Bristles: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently move the brush up and down. Your toothbrush can only clean one or two teeth at a time, so make short strokes. It should take about two minutes to clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.

• Brush Your Tongue: One of the best ways to make sure you have fresh breath all day long is to get in the habit of brushing your tongue to remove bacteria after you brush your teeth.

• Replace Your Toothbrush: If your toothbrush looks like it’s been stepped on, it’s probably not cleaning your teeth as well as it should. The oral surgeons at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska suggest replacing your toothbrush at least every four months—sooner if the bristles start to break apart.

For more information about the services offered at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska from wisdom teeth removal and jaw surgery to dental implants and cosmetic dental care, visit the website or call the best oral surgeons in Anchorage, Alaska, at (907) 561-1430.