It is recommended to brush a minimum of two times per day and to floss at least once a day.
When you brush your teeth, you help remove food and plaque — a sticky white film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria. After you eat a meal or snack that contains sugar, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel.
Eventually, the acid can break down tooth enamel, causing cavities. Plaque that isn’t removed can also harden into tartar or calculus, making it harder to keep teeth clean. This buildup on your gums leads to inflammation that causes gum disease and it can only be removed by a dental hygienist.
Flossing is recommended to remove plaque from between the teeth, a space that is not reached by tooth brushing alone. Plaque between teeth causes cavities and contributes to gingivitis and gum disease.