Brushing Up on Healthy Teeth

Brushing after every meal can't hurt. But it is not always needed. So a good rule of thumb, experts say, is to brush for 2 minutes twice a day with toothpaste that has fluoride and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss thoroughly once a day.

The way you should brush your teeth depends on which tooth surface you are brushing. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line to clean your teeth. Move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes while applying gentle pressure. Also brush the chewing surfaces and inner surfaces of your teeth. To brush the inner surfaces of your front teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically and brush in an up-and-down motion.

To floss correctly put the floss tightly against the side of each tooth into a C-shape. And slide it up to the top edge and back down under the gum line. You will miss a lot of plaque if you just slide the floss in and pull it through. You can choose from different kinds of floss to make it easier to floss between dental work and tight spaces. You can buy floss as a tape, regular or fine, and waxed or unwaxed, as well as in many flavors. Floss once a day.

Both manual and electric toothbrushes can clean your teeth well. Brushing your teeth the correct way is more important than the type of toothbrush.

Plaque is the sticky film that can lead to dental decay and gum disease. It contains bacteria that can attach tooth enamel. If not removed daily by brushing and flossing, it can harden (called tartar). Tartar that collects above the gum line can cause gum tissue to become swollen and inflamed. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Preventing plaque buildup is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Do this by brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.

Using a dental rinse is not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing. But rinses can be helpful for some people. Dental rinse is not advised for children younger than 6 years of age unless directed by a dentist. Nonprescription dental rinses that say they remove extra plaque have not been scientifically proved to do so. But rinses that have fluoride can help prevent cavities and freshen your breath. Fluoride is the only substance that prevents tooth decay. It also makes your tooth enamel stronger. Prescription mouth rinses help reduce the amount of certain bacteria in plaque. Using mouthwash is not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing.

This is true. Baking soda neutralizes acids in the plaque. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide combine with saliva to produce oxygen. Oxygen kills the plaque bacteria. Other toothpastes can help reduce or get rid of stains. These toothpastes generally work only on stains caused by cigarette smoke, coffee, and tea. These stains appear only on the outer surface of teeth. Deeper stains caused by some medicines or health conditions must be treated by your dentist.

If you're healthy, 1 to 2 times a year is a good starting point. But if you have had gum disease, if you smoke, or if you have a disease that affects your whole body such as diabetes, you should likely see your dentist more often. That's because these can make gum disease worse. Some medicines also make it more likely for you to get gum disease and cavities because they reduce the flow of saliva. If you take good care of your teeth, eat a healthy diet, and have little or no history of dental disease, you may not need to be seen so often. Ask your dentist how often you need to be seen.

False. Dental disease is one of the few diseases in the world that can be prevented and cured. But your genetics can increase your risk for developing gum disease. So it's important to take the time to brush and floss your teeth correctly. You should also not snack on sugary or starchy foods. And see your dentist regularly for exams, teeth cleaning, and advice.