BRUSHING

Brushing removes food and plaque - the sticky, nearly colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and is the main cause of decay and gum disease. Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.  The seal means that research has proved the product's safety and effectiveness and that advertising and packaging claims were found to be accurate by the ADA. Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles and replace it every three months or when bristles show wear.

To clean the outer surfaces of your teeth, tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gumline. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Keep the bristles angled against the gumline. Repeat the motion on the inside surfaces of your teeth. Brush the chewing surfaces of the molars. To clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the front part of the brush. Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and to freshen breath.

Flossing

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one middle finger. Wind the rest around the middle finger of your other hand. Using your thumbs and forefingers, slide about an inch of taut floss between your teeth. Gently curve the floss around the tooth in a C-shape at the gumline. Slide the floss gently up and down between the tooth and gum, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Repeat on the rest of your teeth with clean sections of floss.

NUTRITION

A balanced diet can help ward off infection and decay and keep teeth and gums healthy.