Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Dental Care: Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth
Good brushing and flossing are important parts of your dental care. To do these actions well, make them part of your daily routine and:
- Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and at night. When you brush, use a fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. Some fluoride toothpastes also offer tartar control, which may help slow the formation of hard mineral buildup (tartar) on the teeth.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Use disclosing tablets periodically to see whether any plaque is left 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.
Test Your Knowledge
You should brush your teeth once a day, before bed.
TrueYou should brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and at night.
FalseYou should brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and at night.
Continue to 
Why are brushing and flossing important?
Return to 
Dental Care: Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 18, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network