How do I manage my oral health on a daily basis?

The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:   

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Tooth decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove the sticky film on teeth called plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. 
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.  

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.

Your day-to-day plan for managing oral health should include two essential strategies: brushing and flossing. Brush at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Take your time, be thorough, and make sure you clean all tooth surfaces. Floss at least once a day, using either waxed or unwaxed floss -- the type of floss you prefer doesn't matter, as long as you make flossing a daily habit. You can also keep your mouth healthy every day by not smoking and avoiding sugary snacks.

The best way to manage your oral health day-to-day is to brush and floss regularly. Ideally, you should brush at least twice daily and floss once a day. You'll need the right equipment: a soft-bristled toothbrush, toothpaste that contains fluoride, and waxed dental floss. Use a gentle back-and-forth brushing motion to clean the surfaces of the teeth and tongue. Then, wrap about eighteen inches of floss between the middle fingers of each hand. Gently work the floss into the spaces between the teeth, using a scraping motion to remove plaque, and unwind a fresh section of floss for each tooth. Finish with an antimicrobial mouthwash to eliminate bacteria. Be sure to choose toothpaste and mouthwash that is approved by the American Dental Association (look for their seal on the packaging).