You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year. A dental exam can reveal early signs of decay and disease that you may not see or feel. Catching these conditions early can help control them before they get worse and harder to treat. Additionally, getting a cleaning by a trained professional will remove plaque in areas you may have missed or cannot reach.ge Questions" button.

You should brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. You should floss once a day as well.

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.

Make sure to use a soft bristled brush. Hard bristled brushes can wear down the enamel of your teeth.

• Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums. • Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth. • Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth. • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

• Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between the hands. • Gently move the floss up and down the spaces of your teeth. Never snap the floss down onto your gums, as it can cause damage. • As you move the floss down into the space between two teeth, slide it up and down against the surface of one tooth. Gently clean at the gumline as well. Repeat this for the other tooth. • Repeat this process for all of your teeth.

Plaque is a sticky, clear film which forms every day on teeth from food debris and bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular dental check ups, along with brushing and flossing every day, can help prevent plaque buildup on teeth. If plaque is not removed it can begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Bad breath is caused by a variety of factors, including the types of food you eat, periodontal disease, dry mouth, and other causes. Going to your dentist will help you determine the cause of your bad breath, so that you can take steps to eliminate it.

Regardless of the cause of your bad breath, good oral hygiene and regular checkups to the dentist will help reduce it. Brushing and flossing will eliminate particles of food stuck between your teeth which emit odors. Make sure to brush your tongue regularly to eliminate any residue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.