Use a matchhead size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Place the brush alongside the teeth, with the bristle tips angled against the gum line. Use short strokes in a circular motion.

Brush the inside of the front teeth with the front part of the brush.

Place the brush on the chewing surfaces. Move brush back and forth.

Develop a routine to brush all surfaces. Start on the inside. Brush the inside, outside and chewing surfaces of all teeth.

Finish by brushing the tongue, with soft sweeping motion from the back to the front to remove the build-up of plaque.

Previous studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with periodontal (gum) disease, but until recently no plausible cause had been suggested. Now studies indicate that the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque may cause blood clots. When blood clots escape into the bloodstream, there is a relation to increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.

People with periodontal disease (over one half the adult population) have an infection that causes chronic inflammation of the gums. Also, it is a path for these bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Serious infections, such as hepatitis B and HIV, can be transmitted during oral piercings if the instruments have not been properly sterilized. Other risks include:

Pain and Bleeding
Because there are major blood vessels inside your tongue, piercing can cause prolonged bleeding. The many nerve endings in your tongue and lips can cause severe pain in the pierced area.

Infection
Infections are common in oral piercings because the mouth is full of bacteria and is difficult to sterilize. If your tongue swells as a result of piercing or because of an infection, it may become difficult to swallow or even breathe.

Dental Problems
Jewelry in your mouth can chip or break your teeth and filings and erode your gums. The chronic trauma to your teeth can damage the inner pulp, resulting in the need for root canals and crowns. Jewelry can also interfere with x-rays, making diagnosis of dental conditions difficult.

*Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
*Gums that are red, swollen or tender
*Gums that are pulled away from teeth
*Pus between teeth and gums when gums are pressed
*Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
*Change in the way your teeth fit together when biting
*Any changes in fit of partial dentures
*Persistent bad breath

Periodontal disease is an infection that destroys the gum surrounding your teeth and also destroys the supporting bone that holds your teeth in place. Unlike most diseases that gives us early warning signs, gum disease progresses silently, often without pain. It may develop slowly or progress quite rapidly. After the age of (35), three out of four adults over the age of (18)are affected by periodontal disease to some degree.

A recent study describes the association between heart disease and gum disease to be at least as strong as the linkage of heart disease to cholesterol, body weight, or smoking.