Good Oral Hygiene
Guidance based on the American Dental Association.
The Basics
The American Dental Association recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Flossing removes 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 which 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 it on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed — a worn toothbrush will not do a good job. Children's toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently because they may wear out sooner.
Flossing Is Still Recommended
While some studies indicate a mouth rinse can be as effective as flossing for reducing plaque between the teeth, the American Dental Association continues to recommend brushing twice a day and cleaning between the teeth with floss or interdental cleaners once each day to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces. Plaque is responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease.
* Sharma, et. al., Am. J. Dent. 15:351–355, 2002; Bauroth, et. al., J. Am. Dent. Assn. 134:359–365, Mar 2003. This content and more can be found on the American Dental Association website.