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Brush well, twice a day
Brush for two minutes in the morning and before bed with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a soft brush and gentle circles, covering every surface.
- Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse — the fluoride keeps working.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or when bristles spread.
- Help children brush until about age seven or eight.
Food and drink
Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. How often you eat sugar matters more than how much. Keep sweets and sodas to mealtimes, and choose water between meals. Never put a baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice.
Gums matter too
Bleeding gums when brushing are a sign of gum disease. Cleaning between teeth and regular scaling help. Smoking greatly increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Visit the dentist
A check-up every six to twelve months catches problems early, when treatment is quick and cheaper. Do not wait for pain — by then decay is often deep.
