Keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires good nutrition and regular brushing and flossing.

• Floss at least once a day, and brush your teeth after meals, snacks, and before bed. This removes plaque, which can lead to damaged teeth, gums, and surrounding bone.
• Use a toothpaste that contains flouride, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavaties. Ask your dentist if you need a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one with ingredients that fight plaque. Look for toothpastes that have been approved by the American Dental Association.
• Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. Sugar helps plaque grow.
• Avoid using tobacco products, which can cause gum disease and oral cancer. Exposure to tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) also may cause gum disease, as well as other health problems.
• Practice tongue cleaning. You can use a tongue cleaner or a soft-bristle toothbrush, stroking in a back-to-front direction. Tongue cleaning is particularly important for people who smoke or whose tongues are coated or deeply grooved.
• Schedule regular trips to the dentist based on how often you need exams and cleaning.