Taking care of your oral hygiene is important at any age, but when you're older there are some things to which you need to pay special attention. This section gives you top tips to keep your mouth tip-top! Brushing Brushing your teeth properly is vital to keeping them healthy. This is even true if you have dentures, because any leftover food or drink could cause gum irritation or bad breath. To brush your teeth properly, you need the tools of the trade - a toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Choosing a toothbrush may not seem as easy as it once was, with such a vast array in the shops. Dentists advise that you choose a brush with a small head, because this is easier to move around your mouth and get into all the nooks and crannies. Some people like to use an electric brush, but studies have shown that manual brushes are just as good if not better than most electric brushes. What is more important is the technique you use. It's important to use a circular action rather than a scrubbing, up and down action. This will give your teeth the best clean. Take time to brush the hard-to-reach areas like right at the very back of your mouth and behind your teeth, as this is where bacteria can accumulate, storing up problems for later. When you're choosing a toothpaste, the most important thing to look for is that it contains fluoride. This is a vital ingredient and helps to protect teeth against decay. Most of the leading brands will contain fluoride, as will supermarket and chemists' brands. If you have dentures, it's just as important to keep them clean. Looking after them can be much easier than looking after your natural teeth, as you can take them out and have a good look to make sure you haven't left any old food behind. To give them the best clean, follow these simple tips:   Clean your denture over a basin of water - then, if you drop it, it's unlikely to get damaged Make sure you brush your denture every day, just as you would your own teeth. You should use a soft to medium brush - which won't scratch the denture - and either your regular toothpaste or soap and water. Make sure you rinse it before putting it back in your mouth. You can also soak your denture using a special solution or tablets. Remember, though, that you will still need to brush the denture to make sure it's really clean. Again, you'll need to rinse it before putting it back in your mouth.