2torial #0868:
Learn2 Brush Your Teeth

Give plaque the brush-off!

Brushing your teeth twice a day can save you hundreds of dollars--sometimes thousands--in dental work. But in spite of it being such a simple task, lots of people brush their teeth incorrectly, either skipping around so much they don't really clean anything, or rubbing so hard that they actually damage their teeth and gums. We'll show you the proper way to brush your teeth and keep your smile in tip-top shape.

Why is brushing so important? Because it interrupts the growth of plaque--a thin, sticky film of bacteria that plays a primary role in tooth decay and gum disease. When you brush your teeth, you remove most of the plaque-causing bacteria. But some stay behind. These bacteria can set up a colony and begin damaging your teeth within 24 hours--which is why dentists recommend brushing twice a day to consistently interrupt their growth.

Flossing is another important component of cleaning your teeth and interrupting bacteria growth. It should be done at least once a day, before brushing. If you need to brush up on your flossing skills, visit 2torial #0626: Floss Your Teeth to get the lowdown on this important step.