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Regardless of what toothpaste or mouthwash you use, good oral health depends largely on proper brushing and flossing techniques. When practiced regularly, these two important techniques can keep plaque and tartar (calculus) from forming and can do more for your teeth than any product in the market today.

"Total mouth care depends more on brushing and flossing techniques than on use of any product. Rather than paying a premium price for so-called antiplaque or antitartar toothpaste, your best aid is an investment of old-fashioned elbow grease," said Dr. David E. Larson, editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book."

Until recently, selecting the right toothbrush to do the job was a simple matter. But today's consumer may be confused with the wide array of "designer" toothbrushes that all promise to clean teeth better. For instance, one brand claims it is "angled like a dental instrument to help fight cavities." Another touts itself as the toothbrush more dentists use and its indicator is designed to remind consumers when to change their tooth­brush. Still another toothbrush supposedly has wider bristles to reach areas no other toothbrush can.

"One drugstore trade paper notes that more than 50 major premium toothbrushes have been introduced in the past five years: two-row and three-row brushes; wedge and 'boat' shaped head design; brushes with some bristles recessed to contact both teeth and gum margin when the brush is angled; and handles with bends to reach the inside surfaces of back teeth, an area often given short shift in brushing," according to Consumer Reports.

With all these to choose from, what's the best toothbrush to use? Dentists say any brand will do as long as it is used properly.

"Our dental consultants believe that a brush can be as effective as any other - if it is used conscientiously. For those who haven't been taught how to brush properly, however, some of the specially shaped brushes can help do a more thorough job. Still, the American Dental Association's (ADA) volume, Accepted Dental Therapeutics, says that no specific toothbrush can now be recommended as superior for removing dental plaque," Consumer Reports said.

Most people will feel comfortable with a soft-bristled brush. Aside from being easy on your teeth, this kind of toothbrush is less likely to injure your gums. Don't mind the number of bristles your toothbrush has for it won't make a difference in cleaning your teeth. Dr. Wayne Wozniak, assistant director of the ADA'S Council on Dental Materials, Instruments and Equipment said "there's no clinical evidence that more bristles make for a better brush."

"A toothbrush with soft, end-rounded or polished bristles is best for cleaning your teeth and gums. Stiff or hard brushes are more likely to injure gum tissues," Larson said.

"The size and shape of the brush should allow you to reach every tooth. There are brush sizes for children and for adults as well as various configurations of bristles. Remember that only the tip of the bristles does the cleaning, so there's no need to exert a great deal of pressure," he added.

How long should a toothbrush be used? Normally, this should be changed every three months or sooner if the bristles become bent. If not, plaque and tartar are more likely to accumulate on your teeth.

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