By taking good care of your teeth, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile for a lifetime.

Here are some tips for daily oral care:

• Brush your teeth for at least three minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss between your teeth daily.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet and limit between-meal snacks and foods high in sugars. If you snack, choose nutritious foods, such as raw vegetables, fruits, low-fat plain yogurt, or low-fat cheese.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Remember to replace your toothbrush every three or four months. Replace it sooner if it becomes frayed.

Sources: American Dental Association, www.ada.org, and Academy of General Dentistry, www.agd.org.