Brush Twice a Day

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque can produce toxins that irritate and inflame the gums, according to the American Dental Association. You should use a toothbrush with soft, rounded-ends or polished bristles, which are less likely to injure gums. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months.