Did you know? Bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in the foods you eat. When you don’t brush or floss well, or have your teeth cleaned professionally, you’re leaving cavity-causing plaque on your teeth.
Plaque bacteria in your mouth (shown in yellow on the magnified tooth on the left) feed on the sugars in the foods you eat. If plaque is not effectively removed it hardens, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Click 'next' for tips to prevent plaque buildup.
Brush twice a day—in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bed.
Floss daily to remove food and plaque buildup between your teeth.
Sugar-filled foods provide the ideal fuel for plaque to grow as does grazing or drinking (anything other than water) throughout the day.
No matter how well you brush and floss, you will still have some plaque buildup. Schedule regular dental visits to remove plaque and for an exam to catch any dental issues early.
Just like your family doctor, your dentist may work with dental specialists to provide you with the best care possible.
Prevent problems early. Your child's first dental visit should occur by age one or within six months of when you see the first tooth.
Dental care during pregnancy is not only safe, regular dental visits support your health and your baby's.
Most dental disease is preventable—starting with these five steps to take at home.
Clenching or grinding your teeth (often at night) may be the reason and can also cause damage to your teeth and jaw.
Your dentist may recommend a number of treatment options to replace missing teeth, such as a denture.
A series of common questions on dental care and treatment.