Anyone familiar with oral health has heard the old maxim “Brush and floss daily.” It’s easy to say, and is almost a cliché.
But what does it really mean?
We aren’t born with tooth brushing skills, nor some innate knowledge on how to floss. Both are learned, along with many other habits to keep our teeth and gums healthy.
The tools we use are also important. A worn-out toothbrush will not clean well. A fluoride mouth rinse might help prevent tooth decay, but which rinse? 
The target in daily oral care is plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. Many foods we eat spur plaque to produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. Extended exposure to these acids causes tooth decay.
In addition, plaque that is not removed by daily brushing or cleaning hardens into tartar, which has to be scraped from teeth during a cleaning at the dentist’s office. If you don’t enjoy lengthy visits to the dentist, this is another reason to brush and floss daily!
A soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque, topped with some fluoride toothpaste. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months, or earlier if frayed. Rinsing a brush after use cleans off debris that can harbor bacteria.
Sharing a toothbrush isn’t a good idea, as this can transfer unhealthy microorganisms between people. Toothbrushes should be left uncovered after use to dry out – a moist environment encourages growth of microorganisms.
Consumers have a tremendous variety of toothbrushes and toothpastes to choose from. Some brands advertise heavily, claiming to get your mouth cleaner and fresher than their competitors. When in doubt, the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal reassures that a product has met specific criteria for safety and effectiveness.
Next month we’ll dig into the techniques for sound brushing and flossing. Dr. Hoffmann wants to see you every six months for a checkup, but also wants to be sure you’re doing the right things in between your time togethe
