The most important and often overlooked form of self healthcare is oral hygiene. Many people never really think about the dentist unless they are forced to do so because of a real problem. Regular oral hygiene is important because it is the only way to ensure that one would never have to think of the dentist anyway - rather than wait while a problem develops slowly and quietly and hits with a lot of pain one day.

When toothpaste ads asked us to brush twice a day, they weren't kidding; many of us love to keep munching on small snacks, sweets or healthy food like nuts and fruit.Leaving food particles in your mouth for too long is the basis of most cavities and infections which might develop. Brushing twice a day, ideally once before and after each night's sleep - is absolutely necessary. Brushing cleans particles off your teeth regularly restores and protects the enamel. Finding the right brush - soft medium or hard - which suits your gums and your brushing style is also very important.

Find a toothbrush that could reach the ends of your molars, gums, teeth crevices and any hard to reach areas. This should always be the first criteria

The usual straight toothbrush is always a safe choice in terms of reaching the ends of your teeth. Also, the size of the toothbrush should be proportionate to the size of the person using it. For example, if a person has a smaller teeth structure, a small toothbrush will fit the best. A big man definitely has a large set of teeth and would need a big toothbrush to clean them all.

Areas between the lower molar and the tongue are hard to reach areas; the ends of the mouth are always hard to clean. Smaller headed toothbrushes can really clean and reach the ends of the mouth. The best combination to find in a toothbrush is the head that is angled or tilted because it can reach the grooves and curves of the teeth.

Soft bristles is safe in cleaning the mouth because there is a lesser chance of chipping of teeth and enamel and wounding the gum. Medium on the other hand can have more pressure and more area cleaned at a lesser time. Large size toothbrushes are just made for the naturally bigger people like athletes.

Our natural senses can usually tell us what the right toothbrush is for us. If it hurts, change the toothbrush. If you cannot feel the bristles rubbing your gum, change the toothbrush.

Since toothbrush usually rubs with leftover food, it is susceptible to germs which can affect the health of the person using it. Therefore, do not prolong the toothbrush for more than 3 month. No matter how conscientious you are in cleaning your toothbrush after using it, germs could still accumulate in time.

Using a mouthwash a few times a day helps with the biggest oral problem everyone faces every day bad breath.When dental plaque forms as a result of leftover food particles, it produces the decay which causes the smell. A mouthwash kills the germs which collect in your mouth and become the cause of bad breath. It also cleans the inner lining and around the gums - leaving you with a clean set of teeth and fewer germs.

Often small particles of food get lodged between your teeth and remain there despite repeated brushing. These particles become the cause of plague and cavities in time if not removed quickly, and flossing is the only way to get these particles out cleanly.