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What You Need to Know About Your Teeth

Here’s what to know about your teeth and how to care for them.

September 2026
By Madelyn Dukart

Claudia Gopperl/beyond fotomedia RF/Getty Images

Have you brushed your teeth today? We hope so! Dental hygiene is an important part of your health. Ridding your mouth of germs keeps your teeth and gums healthy and your breath smelling fresh. It also helps prevent infections throughout your body. Here’s what to know about your teeth and how to care for them.

The Plaque Problem

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  1. Your teeth are covered in a hard, protective material called enamel.
  2. When bacteria builds up on enamel, it forms a film called plaque. (Teeth feel fuzzy under your tongue? That’s plaque.)
  3. Plaque feeds on sugar in food and drinks and produces acid. This substance eats away at enamel, which can lead to cavities.
  4. Plaque also contributes to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. (Bleeding gums when you brush is an early sign.)

 

Braces Basics

About 80 percent of people in the U.S. wear braces during their teen years. Braces straighten your smile, but they can make dental hygiene harder. Here’s how to handle it.

  • Brush after meals. Thoroughly clean around the brackets and wires to dislodge bits of food.
  • Use floss threaders, small plastic devices that guide floss between wires and your teeth.
  • Avoid sticky sweets. Steer clear of gum and sticky candy that can damage braces. (Don’t worry, ice cream is braces-friendly.)

True or False?

1

Mouthwash is a good replacement for brushing your teeth.

False! Mouthwash can be a useful part of your dental hygiene routine, but it’s not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing.
2

Your diet can affect your dental health.

True! A diet high in sugary or acidic foods and beverages can lead to tooth decay over time. Try drinking water to rinse sugar, acid, and bacteria from your mouth.
3


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Brushing Do's and Don'ts

DO:

  • Brush your teeth twice per day, including right before bed. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride.

DON'T:

  • Brush many times per day. Rather than making your mouth extra clean, too frequent brushing can damage your enamel.

DO:

  • Set a timer to brush for two minutes. (It’s longer than you think!) Try brushing each quarter of your mouth for 30 seconds.

DON'T:

  • Brush right after eating. Many foods contain acid that weakens your teeth. Wait 30 minutes after meals so saliva can break the acid down.

DO:

  • Consider an electric toothbrush. Its rapid bristle movement makes it more effective than a manual one.

DON'T:

  • Keep your toothbrush for too long. Replace it (or the head of your electric toothbrush) every three to four months.

Do You Really Need to Floss?

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The short answer is YES. Every. Single. Day. Flossing is a key part of removing germs and food from between your teeth and along your gums. To use string floss, wrap the ends of an 18-inch piece around two fingers, hold it taut, and insert it between your teeth. Press it against the sides of each tooth, while moving it up and down below your gumline in a C shape. Flossing shouldn’t hurt, but some bleeding is normal if you haven’t flossed in a while.

Physical Health
Hygiene

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