The ADA recommends the following

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months , or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

Flossing Recommendations

The American Dental Association (ADA) is aware of the recent preliminary injunction against a mouthwash manufacturer's advertising claim that its mouth rinse is as effective as flossing. The ADA continues to recommend flossing as part of a good oral hygiene regimen. The following flossing information was updated and posted on the ADA's Web site in June 2004.

While some study results* indicate the use of a mouth rinse can be as effective as flossing for reducing plaque between the teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends to brush twice a day and clean between the teeth with floss or interdental cleaners once each day to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces. Plaque is responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease.

for more information visit the ADA website.