Toothpaste

People have different dental problems and benefit from different toothpastes. Talk to your dentist about the toothpaste that best suits your needs.

How much toothpaste should I use?
• A pea-sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush is all you need to clean your teeth
• Children should use a very small, baby pea-sized dab on their brush. Make sure it is never swallowed

Oral Rinses
Oral rinses, or mouth rinses, are liquids that you swirl in your mouth — no swallowing! — to combat various oral health problems.

They range from simple mouthwashes, that fight bad breath; to ones that contain fluoride; to other, more specialized ones that fight conditions such as plaque and gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.

Oral rinses are most definitely not a substitute for flossing and brushing your teeth. Oral rinses are also generally not recommended for ...

Tips for Fresh Breath

Many people think bad breath comes from the stomach.

The reality is, bad breath is usually caused by conditions in your mouth, such as the food you eat, and how often you clean your teeth, gums and tongue.

Read our tips to ensure bad breath doesn’t spoil the moment:

0. Floss and brush your teeth, gums and tongue daily. Clean as far back on your tongue as you can, as that’s where bacteria often collect. If you don’t clean your mouth, any remaining food particles will attract bacteria, which cause bad breath and contribute to tooth decay.
   
   
0. Brush and floss your teeth after eating, if you possibly can. If you can't do a thorough cleaning, drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum are good options.
   
   
0. Be aware that certain foods — such as garlic, onions and some spices — can contribute to bad breath for up to 72 hours after eating. After digestion, the ...

Healthy Snacks

If you want to maintain strong teeth for your lifetime, you need to ensure you are eating enough whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables and lean meats.

Some other healthy snack choices include:
• nuts and seeds
• peanut butter
• cheese
• plain yogurt
• popcorn

Acid Erosion
There are some drinks and snacks that are bad for your teeth and may contribute to acid erosion. Acid erosion happens when food or drink with a low PH level (more acidic) are consumed. That acid can linger in your mouth, taking the minerals away and softening the surface of your teeth. This makes your teeth more susceptible to damage and often leads to increased sensitivity and may require treatment. The big offenders seem to be soft drinks, orange juice and lemonade.

Nutrition Tips
• Try to avoid acidic food and drink between meals; there isn’t as much saliva in your ...