tooth brush Toothbrushes come in all shapes, colors and sizes, promising to perform better than the rest. However, no body of scientific evidence exists yet to show that any one type of toothbrush design is better at removing plaque than another. The important thing is that you brush your teeth. Many people just don't brush long enough. Most people brush less than a minute, but to effectively reach all areas and brush off cavity-causing bacteria, it is recommended to brush for two to three minutes.  Using a quality toothbrush that that fits your mouth comfortably and is relatively flexible to reach all areas of the mouth. Fashionable, colourfull or electric toothbrushes are not essential. The act of brushing regularly itself with a correct type of toothbrush is the most important thing. In general, a toothbrush head should be small (1" by ½") for easy access. It should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp. It should have soft nylon bristles with rounded ends so you won't hurt your gums. Use a small pea-size blob of toothpaste – about the size of your pinky's finger nail. Even though the television ads show large amounts of toothpaste being used on a brush, it is mainly the mechanical brushing action that removes the bacterial plaque from the teeth. Too much toothpaste, especially in young children under the ages of 6-7 years of age who will swallow more than spit, can cause dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis results from the ingestion of too much fluoride that is contained in most toothpastes approved by the American Dental Association. Even though the fluoride in normal amounts is very helpful in preventing dental decay, this excess ingestion of fluoride toothpaste can result in permanently stained teeth. If your children are younger than 6 or 7 years of age, you should also put the toothpaste up with the other dangerous cosmetics in a child-safe area to prevent unsupervised ingestion of the toothpaste. Many parents have switched to a less appetizing toothpaste if they notice that their child is eating the paste! And always be careful of any fluoride prescription toothpastes around young children. Be responsible in your use of toothpaste and use less!