Brushing your teeth at least twice daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss. Use a soft-bristle brush and an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and foor particles. Replace your brush every two to three months.

On outer and inner surfaces, brush at a 45-degree angle in short, half-tooth-wide strokes against the gumline.

On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with toe of brush.