How to Take Care of Your Teeth

Why Is Taking Care of My Teeth Important?

Taking care of your teeth helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

When you clean your teeth, you remove plaque (say: plak). It’s the clear stuff made of germs (bacteria) that sticks to your teeth. If plaque stays on your teeth, it can build up and lead to holes (cavities) and cause gum disease.

How Do I Get Rid of Plaque?

The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss every day. Dentists say you should brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste with fluoride and floss once a day. Brushing and flossing also helps keep your gums healthy.

What’s the Right Way to Brush My Teeth?

Try to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes. Here are some brushing tips:

• Use short, gentle strokes. Don't brush too hard!
• Brush all surfaces of your teeth — the outside and inside areas, and the chewing surfaces.
• Gently brush your tongue.
• Set a 2-minute timer or play a favorite song while brushing you. Some electric toothbrushes have timers that let you know when 2 minutes are up.
• Don’t forget to spit out the toothpaste when you are done.

What About Flossing?

Flossing removes plaque and bits of food stuck between your teeth and near your gums. Here’s how to do it:

• Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
• Wrap it around your middle fingers. Then pinch the floss between your pointer, middle finger, and thumbs, leaving about 1 inch of floss between your hands.
• Gently slide the floss between 2 teeth.
• Hold the floss tightly against a tooth and gently slide it up and down. Don't force it into the gums. When flossing, always be careful to not hurt your gums.
• Repeat these steps between all your teeth.

It takes a little practice to learn how to floss, but soon you’ll be a pro. You can also ask your dentist about other products, like flossers, that can make flossing easier.

How Else Can I Keep My Teeth Healthy?

Eating sugar, as you probably already know, is a major cause of tooth decay. But it's not just how much sugar you eat — when and how you eat it can be just as important. Eating sugary foods before bedtime can be the most damaging (especially if you don't brush your teeth afterward) because the sugar sits on your teeth while you’re sleeping. 

Limit how much time sugar stays on your teeth. That’s because germs in plaque break down sugar into acids that can eat away the outer surface of teeth and cause cavities. 

When it comes to eating and snacking:

• Brush your teeth after eating. If you can’t brush, try to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash, or chew sugarless gum.
• Don't eat sugary foods between meals. If you eat them, try to have them along with your meal because you’ll make more spit, which will help to wash away the sugar and germs.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, like candy, soda, and juice. 
• Choose non-sugary snacks, like cheese, popcorn, raw veggies, or yogurt.

When Should I Go to the Dentist?

Most kids need to get a checkup from the dentist every 3–12 months. It’s the best way to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems. If you have pain or notice any changes with your teeth, gums, or jaw, tell a parent so you can see the dentist sooner.