It's important not only that you brush after you eat; you also need to use proper technique when brushing your teeth! Here are some tips to make your brushing sessions more effective at removing plaque and preventing decay.

two teeth at a time, overlapping as you move along.

* It's also a good idea to have a regular brushing pattern. It's fine to

use any pattern you like, as long as you clean each surface of every tooth.

* Brush the fronts of all upper teeth, then the fronts of all lower teeth.

* To prevent future cavities, use toothpaste that contains fluoride.

Fluoride hardens the enamel on the surface of your teeth, and can even stop cavities in their tracks. Remeber to change your toothbrush when the bristles are worn or bent, at least every three months. Old bristles don't clean well under the gumline, and they host more plaque and disease-causing bacteria.

This might seem like a lot to remember, but proper brushing technique will soon become a habit, and will keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh.