Your oral health starts with clean teeth. By keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean you can help to prevent gum disease. Keeping your tooth surfaces clean will help you prevent cavities. Consider these brushing basics from the American Dental Association: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.

* Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

*Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

* The proper brushing technique is to: * Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

* Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. * Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

* To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes. * Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.