Below is an excerpt from an article found on mouthhealthy.org Water flossing is a way to clean between and around your teeth. A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. The water, like traditional floss, removes food from between teeth.  Water flossers that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance have been tested to be safe and effective at removing a sticky film called plaque , which puts you at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. Water flossers with the ADA Seal can also help reduce gingivitis , the early form of gum disease, throughout your mouth and between your teeth. Get a list of all ADA-Accepted water flossers.   Water flossers can be an option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. People who have had dental work that makes flossing difficult—like braces , or permanent or fixed bridges —also might try water flossers.  Cleaning between your teeth once a day is an important part of your dental hygien...

Below is an excerpt from an article found on mouthhealthy.org What does ringing in the new year have to do with being mouth healthy?  More than you may think. Did you know that you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months? Bristles that become frayed and worn are less effective at cleaning your teeth. That means, celebrating the new year with a brand new toothbrush is actually smart dental hygiene. Here are MouthHealthy resolutions: Start brushing 2min2x . Always brush twice a day for two minutes for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities, and to avoid painful dental problems.  Floss daily . Flossing is part of being mouth healthy. Chew sugarless gum . Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. Eat a healthy diet . Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. Drink fluoridated water . Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities. See ...

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was Reviewed by the Faculty of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine What's in Your Mouth?  To understand what happens when your teeth decay, it's helpful to know what's in your mouth naturally. Here are a few of the elements:  Saliva - Your mouth and teeth are constantly bathed in saliva. We never give much thought to our spit, but this fluid is remarkable for what it does to help protect our oral health. Saliva keeps teeth and other parts of your mouth moist and washes away bits of food. Saliva contains minerals that strengthen teeth. It includes buffering agents. They reduce the levels of acid that can decay teeth. Saliva also protects against some viruses and bacteria.  Plaque - Plaque is a soft, gooey substance that sticks to the teeth a bit like jam sticks to a spoon. Like the slime that clings to the bottom of a swimming pool, plaque is a type of biofilm. It contains large numbers of c...