There are many things you should know about dental care if you want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. Brushing your teeth is the first line of defense against most dental issues, such as cavities, bad breath, gingivitis, etc.  Since toothbrushing is so important to your overall dental health, you want to make sure you are doing everything correctly and not neglecting any area you should be paying attention to. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding your toothbrushing habits:  

Toothbrushing should be done at least twice daily 

While the rule of thumb is that you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you may want to do it more often than this under certain conditions. For example, if you have consumed a very sugary meal, or a meal with foods known to cause staining, then you may want to consider adding another toothbrushing session to your day. If you wear braces then it is going to be crucial for you to brush after every single meal, to avoid issues with your teeth while you have the brackets attached to them. You can also contact your dental services professional if you have any questions about brushing and flossing habits when you have braces. 

You should be doing more than just brushing your teeth 

Some people don't have the problem others have with food getting caught between their teeth. People who don't have this problem tend to forget more about flossing between their teeth after meals. However, flossing isn't just for removing stuck food particles; it is also important for removing bacteria and plaque that occurs between teeth, in the small spaces where a toothbrush won't reach. Even if you don't get food stuck in your teeth, flossing should not be forgotten.  

Your toothbrush won't last forever 

You can extend the life of your toothbrush by boiling it to sterilize it; however, the plastic handle will only take so much boiling before it will eventually become brittle. Therefore, you should expect to replace your toothbrush after a round or two of boiling. You should also boil or replace your toothbrush if you have recently been sick, so you don't keep putting those sick germs back in your mouth.  

Always opt for soft-bristled toothbrushes

Unless your dentist specifically tells you to use something other than a soft-bristled toothbrush, you should always select the soft ones. The harder bristles can eventually wear down the thickness of the enamel, which protects the inner parts of your teeth.