Keeping your mouth clean

It is vital that you keep your mouth clean, as it helps to prevent dental disease
You should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, as this helps to get rid of the plaque and thus prevent decay and gum disease
You should rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic food and drink. This will take away the acids and help to prevent erosion
To maintain healthy teeth and gums you should thoroughly clean them twice a day and reduce your intake of acidic food and drink

You should use a soft-to-medium toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Ensure that you replace the toothbrush when the bristles get out of shape. A good rule-of-thumb for replacing your toothbrush is every three months
Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day, ensuring that you brush every tooth and that you carefully clean the join between the teeth and gums to ensure that you remove any trace of plaque

You should ask your dentist or hygienist whether you need to use floss. If they do advise, you should use it.
Initially you may need to practice in front of a mirror. Using about 18 inches of floss, wrap the ends around the middle fingers of each hand. You should leave two to three inches between the first finger and thumb
Gently slide the floss between two teeth and put it round one tooth, next to the gum, using your fingers
Move the floss up and down the side of the tooth several times and then move to the next tooth until every tooth has been flossed
You should not use floss on children