Brushing your teeth regularly can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing also helps remove plaque, which is a sticky film that forms on the surface of your teeth. Plaque causes cavities by eating away at your tooth’s enamel (the hard outer layer). If you don’t clean your teeth properly, bacteria will multiply in your mouth and cause tooth decay. When it comes to childrens dental care, the American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride-containing toothpaste for two minutes each time. This includes after meals and before bedtime.
It is best to brush your teeth right after breakfast and dinner, but remember to brush again later in the day as well. Toothpaste is available in different flavors, scents, colors, textures, and abrasiveness levels. Choose one that feels comfortable when you apply it to your teeth. The ADA suggests using a paste with fluoride because it strengthens tooth enamel. Fluoride works by preventing the acid produced by bacteria from weakening the protective layers of your teeth. Flossing can also help remove food particles between your teeth and your gum line. Use a string of dental floss or a special floss threader to get into those tight spaces.
