13 Keys to Dental Health
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
![Brush your teeth twice a day. Brush your teeth twice a day.](https://images.oprah.com/images/health/soh/200907/dental-health-woman-brush-290x218.jpg)
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Most of us are brushing incorrectly—following these steps will keep you and your dentist happy, Dr. Levine says.
Pick the right toothpaste.
- Use a rounded-end, soft-bristle brush.
- Brush twice a day for 30 seconds in each quadrant, or a total of two minutes
- Angle the brush 45 degrees to the gumline—you want the bristles to get under the gum, gently.
- Replace your toothbrush every 30 to 45 days, because toothbrush heads harbor bacteria.
- Use a toothbrush sanitizer, and make sure to let the toothbrush air-dry, rather than storing it in a damp environment or in a drawer.
Pick the right toothpaste.