Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time. Your teeth are prone to bacteria build-up while you sleep because saliva flow is reduced. Brushing immediately before bed and when you wake up will help eliminate plaque build-up and will remove food particles from your teeth. You should avoid brushing your teeth more than three times a day because over-brushing may cause your gums to recede over time.

How to Brush

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small, “pea sized”, amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth and the surface of each tooth. Begin with the top teeth and when all four steps are completed, repeat on the lower teeth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Before you finish, remember to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

• On outer and inner surfaces, brush at a 45-degree angle in short, half-tooth-wide strokes against the gumline.
• On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth.
   
• On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and down strokes with toe of brush.

Why is flossing necessary for good oral health?

Although tooth brushing removes plaque from tooth surfaces, it cannot entirely remove plaque that exists between teeth. You should floss your teeth once every day, preferably before going to bed. Flossing removes hard-to-reach particles between teeth that can combine with bacteria to cause plaque and tartar. It's your best protection, along with daily brushing, against tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

How to Floss

• Pull about 18 inches of floss from the dispenser and wrap the ends around your middle fingers. Hold floss tightly, using your fingers to gently guide the floss between the teeth.
   
• Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a zig-zag motion, but avoid snapping it into your gum. Slide the floss up and down against the surface of the teeth and under the gumline.
   
• Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
   
• If you have not been flossing regularly, your gums may bleed and be sore for the first five or six days. As plaque is broken up and bacteria removed, your gums will heal and the bleeding will stop.