Dental care: Brushing and flossing your teeth

What are good brushing and flossing?

Good brushing and flossing are important parts of your dental care. To do these actions well, make them part of your daily routine and:

• Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and at night. When you brush, use a fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. Some fluoride toothpastes also offer tartar control, which may help slow the formation of hard mineral buildup (tartar) on the teeth.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Use disclosing tablets periodically to see whether any plaque is left on the teeth. Disclosing tablets are chewable and will color any plaque left on the teeth after you brush. You can buy them at most drugstores.

Test Your Knowledge

1. You should brush your teeth once a day, before bed.

1. True
2. False

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Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: April 23, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
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