Developing good dental health habits is the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Older adults may have special concerns about dentures, and those with arthritis may have trouble holding a toothbrush.

Effective brushing and flossing

Brush after eating

• Get into a routine of brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night, and floss once a day.
• Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles and a head that is small enough to reach all parts of your teeth and mouth. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
• You may also use an electric toothbrush that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Studies show that powered toothbrushes with a rotating and oscillating (back-and-forth) action are more effective than other toothbrushes, including other powered toothbrushes.⁴
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Some fluoride toothpastes also offer tartar control, which may help slow the formation of hard mineral buildup (tartar) on the teeth.
• Place the brush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums. Press firmly, and gently rock the brush back and forth using small circular movements. Do not scrub. Vigorous brushing can make the gums pull away from the teeth and can scratch your tooth enamel.
• Brush all surfaces of the teeth, tongue-side and cheek-side. Pay special attention to the front teeth and all surfaces of the back teeth.
• Brush chewing surfaces vigorously with short back-and-forth strokes.
• Brush your tongue from back to front. Some people put some toothpaste or mouthwash on their toothbrush when they do this. Brushing your tongue helps remove plaque, which can cause bad breath and help bacteria grow. Some toothbrushes now have a specific brush to use for your tongue.
• Use disclosing tablets every now and then to see whether any plaque remains 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.

Floss daily

Floss at least once a day. The type of floss you use is not important. Choose the type and flavor that you like best. Use any of the following methods:

• The finger wrap method: Cut off a piece of floss 18in. to 20in. long. Wrap one end around your left middle finger and the other end around your right middle finger, until your hands are about 2in. to 3in. apart.
• The circle method: Use a piece of floss about 12in. long. Tie the ends together, forming a loop. If the loop is too large, wrap the floss around your fingers to make it smaller.
• A plastic flossing tool makes flossing easier. Child-size flossing tools are available for parents to use to floss their children's teeth. You can buy them at most drugstores.