Good oral health helps you enjoy life. It allows you to: speak clearly; taste, chew and swallow delicious and nutritious foods; and show your feelings through facial expressions such as smiling.

If you protect your oral health with good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), chances are you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.

brush your teeth

To keep your teeth healthy, it is important to remove plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria. Plaque build-up can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Even teeth that already have fillings are at risk for tooth decay. Plaque can build up under a chipped filling and cause new spoilage. And if there are areas in your mouth where your gums have pulled away from the teeth (called gum recession), the exposed tooth roots can also spoil.

Plaque is difficult to see. You can see it more easily if you smudge it. After brushing your teeth, chew "revealing tablets" (available at a drugstore) or brush with a special revealing toothpaste. The color shows where there is still plaque, and you can then brush those areas again to remove them. (Parents - Releasing tablets can also be very helpful in teaching kids how to brush their teeth properly!)

Brush tips:

• Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is what protects teeth against tooth decay (cavities). It prevents decay by strengthening the hard outer surface of the tooth, called enamel.
• Tilt the bristles towards the gum line so that they clean between the gum and teeth.
• Brush gently with small, circular motions. Do not scrub back and forth vigorously.
• Brush all sides of each tooth.
• Brush your tongue.

And don't forget to replace your toothbrush when the bristles get frayed.

Clean between your teeth

Cleaning between the teeth to remove plaque is also part of a good oral hygiene routine. If plaque is not removed, some of it under the gum line can harden and irritate the gums. The gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. These are signs of gingivitis. Gum disease is a mild form of gum disease and can usually be reversed by brushing and flossing daily.

If plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it can harden. This hardened plaque is called tartar or tartar. The only way to remove tartar is to have your teeth cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist. If the tartar is not removed, the gingivitis can get worse and lead to more serious gum disease (periodontitis) . In advanced stages, gum disease causes painful, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; loose teeth; and even tooth loss.

Floss to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.

Tips for flossing:

Some people find flossing difficult because of arthritis or other problems. If it is too difficult to hold dental floss, try a plastic or wooden toothpick or one of these:

Helpful Hints

Follow these tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
• Regularly clean between teeth to remove plaque. Use dental floss or a special brush or a wooden or plastic toothpick recommended by a dentist. Or try a dental floss holder, floss threader, or water flosser.
• Visit the dentist for routine checkups and professional cleaning.
  • If you're at higher risk for tooth decay (for example, if you have a dry mouth due to medications you're taking), your dentist or dental hygienist can give you a fluoride treatment, such as a varnish or foam, during the office visit. Or the dentist may recommend a fluoride gel or mouthwash for at-home use.
  • If you are at higher risk for gum disease because of a medical condition (for example, diabetes), your dentist may want to see you more often.
• Drink fluoridated water. Drinking water with the right amount of fluoride protects your teeth throughout the day. Read the fluoride content of the water in your municipality here or contact your water company.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases your risk of gum disease. If you smoke and want to quit, there are many resources to help you: FDA's Center for Tobacco Products , CDC's Quit Smoking website, and the BeTobaccoFree.gov website .
• Have your teeth checked if you are planning to become pregnant. Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women can develop gingivitis and have gums that are swollen and bleed easily. During pregnancy, it is especially important to practice good oral hygiene to maintain the health of your gums.
• Eat a balanced diet. Limit sweets and sugary drinks, such as soda.