Why do I need to clean my teeth?

Because teeth are so important for eating, speaking and smiling, you need to keep them healthy and happy!

Try running your tongue over your teeth, do them feel smooth and clean or do they feel kind of fuzzy?

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps to keep them clean. If you can brush them after every meal, then that is even better.

Flossing your teeth is also very important, Your toothbrush can do a great job, but what about between your teeth where the bristles can' reach?

Floss is a special thin string that you slide between your teeth
to get the trapped food out.

What if I don't brush and floss?

Plaque will form. Plaque is made up of saliva, the fluid that is in our mouths all the time and bacteria. Bacteria are tiny bugs that feed on any food that is left in our mouths after we eat. Plaque that isn't cleaned off by brushing and flossing lets decay start and soon we have a cavity that our dentist needs to fill.

So brushing and flossing are very important to keep your teeth healthy and happy!