The American Dental Association recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
-
Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Talk to your dentist about what types
of oral care products will be most effective for you. The ADA Seal on a product
is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look
for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners,
oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.
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Dental Basics
