The American Dental Association recommends the following best practices.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Replace all toothbrushes every three to four months even if they do not look worn.
• Clean between teeth every day with dental floss. Decay-causing bacteria live between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach.
• Do not share toothbrushes. This could result in an exchange of germs between the users of the toothbrush, placing the individuals at an increased risk for infections.
• Thoroughly rinse toothbrushes after brushing to remove any old toothpaste or debris. Store toothbrushes in an upright position so that they are able to air dry. If you store toothbrushes in the same holder, make sure that they do not touch to prevent cross contamination.
• Avoid tobacco! Smokers have four times the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers.
• Do not cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers since the moist environment is more conducive to microorganism growth than the open air.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and limit snacking between meals.
• See your dentist at least once a year for an oral examination and twice a year for professional cleaning.

Oral Health for Children

Early Childhood Caries (Baby Bottle Tooth Decay)

Baby bottle tooth decay can destroy your child's teeth even before they erupt or first show through the gums. It occurs when a child is frequently exposed to sugary liquids such as milk (including breast milk), fruit juice and other sweet liquids. The ADA recommends the following steps to prevent your child from getting early childhood caries.

• Begin clearing your baby's mouth during the first few days after birth. After every feeding, wipe the baby's gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque.
• Never allow your child to nurse or breast feed for prolonged periods. Additionally, don't give your child a bottle with milk, formula, sugar water or fruit juice during naps or at night in bed.
• Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
• Discourage frequent use of a training (sippy) cup.
• Help your child develop good eating habits early and choose sensible, nutritious snacks.
• The ADA recommends regular dental check-ups, including a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than the child's first birthday.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are used to protect chewing surfaces from tooth decay, the single most common chronic childhood disease. However, your dentist can help prevent or reduce the incidence of decay by applying sealants to your child's teeth.