Maintenance
Brush your teeth after meals to remove tiny particles of food from your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth can feed bacteria that grows in a sticky film on your teeth. This film, or plaque, causes both tooth decay and gum disease. Using a fluoride toothpaste can help kill bacteria and make your teeth stronger.

Ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush of a size and shape that allows you to reach every tooth. Generally, a brush with soft, end-rounded or polished bristles is less likely to injure gum tissue. Replace the brush every three or four months.

Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Tooth decay and periodontal disease often start in these areas. Your hygienist can teach you a quick and easy method for flossing.