Keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires regular brushing, flossing, and good nutrition. You should brush your teeth after every meal and floss once a day to remove plaque.

Removing plaque prevents damage to teeth, gums, and bone, and prevents periodontal disease and tooth decay. For more information, see the topics Tooth Decay and Gum Disease.

Proper dental care also:

• Prevents severe gum disease, which can damage teeth and the bones that support them, and can ultimately cause you to lose teeth.
• Shortens time with the dentist and hygienist and makes the trip more pleasant.
• Saves money. By preventing tooth decay and gum disease, you reduce the need for fillings and other costly procedures.
• Helps prevent bad breath. Brushing and flossing rid your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Helps keep teeth white by preventing staining from food, drinks, and tobacco.
• Improves overall health.

The amount of dental care you need varies. Some people naturally get fewer cavities and are more resistant to gum disease. Others have to be more careful to avoid cavities and gum disease.

Ways to avoid dental problems

If you have tooth decay or gum disease, or if your gums are red, swollen, puffy or tender and bleed easily when brushed, you can prevent additional problems if you:

• Brush your teeth after meals and between-meal snacks. Floss at least once a day.
• Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. Sugar helps plaque grow.
• Ask your dentist or dental hygienist about tongue cleaning. You can use a tongue cleaner or a soft-bristle toothbrush, stroking in a front-to-back direction. Tongue cleaning is particularly important for people who smoke or whose tongues are coated or deeply grooved.
• Ask your dentist or hygienist if he or she recommends using a mouthwash that contains fluoride and ingredients to reduce plaque.
• Schedule regular trips to the dentist. Most dentists recommend exams and cleaning 2 times a year. But some experts believe those who are at low risk for dental problems only need to have a yearly exam.¹

Factors that increase the risk that your child will develop dental problems include:²

• A high-risk pregnancy or difficult delivery.
• Birth defects or developmental disabilities.
• A family history of moderate to severe dental disease.
• Prolonged use of nursing bottles.
• High levels of bacteria in the saliva.
• Limited access to dental treatment.

Ask your dentist if your children need fluoride treatments. Your drinking water may already be treated with safe levels of fluoride. To find out, call your local water company or state health department. Have your water checked, if you have your own well, to determine if your children need fluoride supplements. You may also need to provide fluoride to your children if you use bottled water for cooking or drinking.²

Do not give children mouthwash that contains alcohol, because they can be poisoned by drinking it.

Which toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental care products should you use?

Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. The ADA only recommends products it considers safe and beneficial.