You’ve brushed your teeth for as long as you can remember, but how can you be sure that you’re doing it correctly? Check out these simple steps for proper tooth brushing to find out.

1. Twice a day is only the beginning. Although many people are taught to brush their teeth in the morning and the evening, that’s actually only the minimum amount. Brushing your teeth after a large meal or any time you drink a potentially staining beverage is always a good idea.
2. Brush in a circular motion. Dentists recommend brushing in a circular motion up toward the gums rather than the usual back and forth motion across the teeth. This technique removes bacteria without causing gum pain.
3. Stop the final rinse. While many people rinse their mouths out with a bit of water after brushing, this is harmful because it removes the beneficial film delivered from the toothpaste. If you feel the need to rinse, only put a small amount of water in your mouth and swish it across your tongue rather than around your teeth and gums.
4. Don’t skimp on flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing, and it should be done almost as often. Bonus points if you floss before brushing, as that enables the toothpaste to coat those hard-to-reach places between the teeth.

How to Brush [Colgate]
Proper Brushing [ADHA]
Am I Brushing My Teeth Correctly? [Lifehacker]
How to Brush Your Teeth [Crest]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Anderson Mancini

Warm decor lends itself to a comfortable, welcoming dining experience at Second Bar + Kitchen in Austin. The restaurant serves reasonably priced innovative and creative farm-to-table American cuisine for lunch and dinner daily, plus a Sunday brunch.

Start your meal with potato gnocchi tots made with housemade ketchup, or go for an appetizer of buffalo fried pickles, shihito peppers with miso aioli, daily changing charcuterie boards, steak tartare, or carrot gazpacho. Large plates include a pulled pork sandwich or brisket burger, Asian inspired soba noodle salad, roasted chicken and truffle, blue cheese and pork belly pizza. Chef inspired side dishes please the palate with seasoned Brussels sprouts, black truffle grits, and warm potato salad. Additionally, the restaurant offers an extensive bar menu replete with classic cocktails, wine, beer, hard cider and liquor.

Reservations are recommended, and private parties can be accommodated in one of the eatery's private dining rooms.

Second Bar + Kitchen
200 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 827-2750
www.congressaustin.com/second
www.yelp.com/biz/second-bar-kitchen-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Leslie Main Johnson

Your grandmother may have been on to something with all of those canned fruits and vegetables. Canning is a great way to preserve the lifespan of fresh produce, and it creates a number of unique new ways to eat your favorite veggies. If you want to start canning in your own home, here are 5 things that you need to know.

1. Do not use overripe produce. Although canning helps you to extend the lifespan of produce, it won’t reverse the ripening process if it has already happened. Be sure to use only crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Sterilize cans before starting. Because your produce will be sealed tightly inside of the glass jars, you want to make sure that there is no bacteria inside of there as well. Wash each jar with hot, soapy water and soak them in a boiling water bath for at least 10 minutes before you begin.
3. Research acid additions. Many types of fruits and vegetables require ascorbic acid or citric acid to prevent browning or maintain pH levels, so do your research before canning.
4. Do not fill the jars completely. Your produce will expand during the boiling process, so be sure leave an inch or so of space at the top of each jar.

More Canning Tips and Do's/Don'ts [Pick Your Own]
Canning 101: The Basics [Simple Bites]
USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, 2009 revision [NCHFP]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/elizaraxi