Although dental care is not included in the Canada-wide universal health care program, oral hygiene and oral care is paramount to health, well-being and quality of life. Every year 2.26 million school days and 4.15 million workdays are lost in Canada due to dental visits and dental related sickness or illness, this according to Statistics Canada.

1. A guide to proper brushing from Dr.
Ross Chiaramonte

2. Although dental care is not included in the Canada-wide
universal health care program, oral hygiene and oral care is
paramount to health, well-being and quality of life. Every year
2.26 million school days and 4.15 million workdays are lost in
Canada due to dental visits and dental related sickness or
illness, this according to Statistics Canada. The same report also
concluded that 12 percent of Canadians report avoiding foods
and drinks that had caused them tooth pain or sensitivity in the
past and another 12 percent stated they had suffered from
persistent, ongoing mouth pain.

3. Proper oral care needs to start early and be a regular part of
your daily routine from childhood. Health Canada reports that
57 percent of 6 to 11 year olds have or have had a cavity. That is
a staggering number and indicative of rampant poor oral
hygiene habits. Despite 73 percent of Canucks stating they
brush twice daily, millions of hours of productivity are lost
annually to hours on the dental chair getting cavities filled.

4. This leads many dental experts to believe that we are not
brushing our teeth properly.
Many of us are taught to brush our teeth by watching
and mimicking our parents when we are children;
however, many of us were taught incorrect techniques,
which in turn lead to bad brushing habits.
Here is a helpful guide to ensure you are brushing your
pearly whites properly.

5. Start with the brush
Choose a soft bristled brush that fits comfortably in your
hand; also, keep your mouth size and shape in mind. "If
you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush
in, the brush is probably too big," Richard H. Price,
consumer advisor for the American Dental Association,
said in an interview. “It should feel good in your mouth
and hand, so you’ll use it often.”

6. Toothpaste
There are a lot of toothpaste brands that tout a lot of special
benefits, from easing pain to whitening smiles the array of
choices often makes it hard to choose. Dr. Ross Chiaramonte, a
dentist practicing in Owen Sound, Ontario, says brand choice is
all about preference - what consumers really need to be looking
for is fluoridation. “Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and can
help teeth remain strong and healthy,” explained Dr.
Chiaramonte. “Small children shouldn’t use more than a pea
sized amount of toothpaste and parents should ensure they spit
it all out.”
Fluoridated toothpastes make up 95 percent of the market, so
finding one you like and is in your price range is easy.

7. Patience and Time
Having the right tools is only half of the equation. If you are not
brushing long enough in the right way, all your effort is in vain.
Most people think it’s all about the teeth and they get in there and
scrub away. But, as Dr. Ross Chiaramonte pointed out, if you are
doing this, you’re missing out on an important part. “Your brush
should be angled at 45 degrees and you should be starting and the
base of the tooth and gum and cleaning on to the gum and up
from there,” says Ross Chiaramonte.

8. Duration of time is also an issue. All dental professionals
recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a
minimum of two minutes. “It is not a race, you really want to get in
there and be thorough, ensuring you are brushing the entire tooth
surface of all your teeth,” Dr. Chiaramonte added. “Setting a timer,
singing a song are all great ways to make sure you are taking the
time needed.”
Although every dentist suggest brushing your teeth at least twice a
day, Dr. Chiaramonte and countless others tell patients that
brushing after every meal and heavy snack is ideal. Food contains
the bacteria that causes tooth decay so ensuring you get rid of that
bacteria every time you eat will help maintain and promote good
oral health.