But this can be prevented by investing a few minutes every day carefully brushing teeth, as well as using dental floss to clean in between them. Dental floss is a product which looks a bit like sewing thread - you slide it in between your teeth to clean surfaces which a brush can't reach. Brush teeth twice a day using a brush with soft bristles and a small head - and replace the brush when the bristles look worn and shaggy. Brushing before bed is especially important because food debris lingering in your mouth overnight encourages bacteria which damages teeth and gums. If you're not already using dental floss, now's a good time to start.
Some people find it easier to use a similar product called dental tape.
If you're not sure how to use dental floss or tape, your dentist or pharmacist can advise you. It's good to encourage children to use floss too. If you want to make sure you've removed all the plaque from your teeth, you can ask your pharmacist for disclosing fluid to use at home. The idea is to swish the fluid around in your mouth and then spit it out. You can also buy disclosing tablets which do the same thing.