## The basic rule We've known since childhood that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day — in the morning and the evening. This can be done both before and after meals. If you're a proponent of the first option, try to brush your teeth 15 minutes before a meal. After eating, consider rinsing your mouth with a special mouthwash rinse that contains active substances that can easily penetrate hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. If you use the rinse before brushing your teeth, it will soften the plaque. However, doing so after will be more beneficial. ## Your best friends __Floss__: manufacturers offer a large selection of dental floss — super floss, flat and round section, fluoride-coated, flavored, and more. Flossing should be done once a day before bedtime, combined with your basic brushing. __Toothpaste__: there are many kinds of toothpaste on the shelves: preventive, whitening, anti-periodontal disease, with herbs, etc. You should choose based on=== the state of your teeth and consult with your dentist. It is important to note that any toothpaste supplies teeth with calcium and fluoride but cannot remove stains already existing on teeth. You can replenish the necessary minerals by eating dairy products, legumes, parsley, coriander, and dill. You can also saturate the tissues of the teeth with calcium by taking a course of remineralization. __Toothbrush__: the size of the head of the toothbrush should be 2–2.5 cm, and the bristles should be made of artificial fibers. If you don’t know how hard of a brush you should use, choose a medium one. You should pay attention to the hair configuration as well: cross-branches do a better job cleaning the interdental spaces. There is often a question about which brush is better: manual or electric. A regular brush is better to use: - If there are removable dentures or orthodontic constructions - If you have a pacemaker installed - If there are a high number of fillings - If you have thin enamel - If there are caries in the white spot stage - If you have dental wedge defects The electric toothbrush has its advantages: - It cleans teeth well in hard-to-reach areas - Many different modes and heads for tongue cleaning, gum massage, polishing, and whitening As for the choice of type of brush and its hardness, it is best to consult with your dentist. And whatever brush you choose, it is important to change it every three months. With an electric one, it's important to change the brush heads regularly. ## Why do I need professional cleaning? Having your teeth cleaned and checked by a professional is recommended once every six months. If you drink a lot of coffee and smoke, you may want a cleaning even more often. There are different types of tooth cleaning including ultrasonic, laser, sandblast, chemical and mechanical. Depending on the condition of your teeth, the doctor will choose the option that is right for you. Typically, the teeth are polished and fluoridated after the cleaning. This reduces the sensitivity, acid environment, and reproduction of bacteria in the mouth. A beautiful smile is an important part of happiness and success in life. Therefore, it is necessary to follow dental hygiene from childhood and visit a dentist at least once every six months.