If you're not brushing your teeth correctly, you may be leaving a lot of plaque and tartar on your teeth. You could even be contributing to the cavities you keep getting. Brushing your teeth in the proper manner will get your teeth and gums cleaner. It will also remove plaque deposits that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Take a look at these easy-to-follow instructions, and get brushing.

Go for the Angle

When it comes to brushing your teeth, it's all about the angle. Don't come at your teeth straight on with a flat brush. Go in flat and you may miss all the bacteria that are hiding under the gum line. Instead, place your brush on your teeth and tilt it to a 45 degree angle. You'll notice that the edge of the bristles lay right up against the gum line when you hold it at an angle.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Now that you have your brush at the proper angle, it's time to start brushing. If you're used to take long strokes with the brush, slow it down a bit. You want to get each tooth clean, so focus on one small section at a time. Take small strokes and brush one or two teeth at a time. Once you have that area brushed, move on to the next couple of teeth.

Don't Forget the Backside

Once you're done brushing the front of your teeth, it's time to take your toothbrush to the dark side – the back of your teeth. Place your toothbrush against the back of your teeth. Turn the bristles to a 45 degree angle and brush in small sideways strokes. Begin on the side of your mouth. When you brush the back of your front teeth, move in a slow up and down motion. This will ensure that the plaque is removed from all the surfaces of your teeth.

Stick Out Your Tongue

When you're brushing your teeth, don't forget about your tongue. The surface of your tongue contains tiny hairs. Those hairs can hide millions of germs and odor-causing bacteria. Stick out your tongue and give it a good brushing. Try to get the entire surface. If you've never brushed your tongue before, you may gag the first few times you try it. Don't panic. That's just your gag reflex kicking in. Once you've brushed your tongue a few times, you'll get used to it.

You want to keep your teeth clean and prevent cavities. Follow these simple instructions to get your teeth as clean as they can possibly be, each time you brush. Don't forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year. For more dental tips, check out websites like http://www.vfdental.com.