A. Definitely. When you've finished brushing, give the brush a rinse and then a couple of good shakes to get the water out. Store it in an upright position in a well-ventilated area—not a medicine cabinet. In addition, if your toothbrush does not fit into a conventional holder, a glass may be useful.

2. Is brushing enough? Why floss?

A. A toothbrush is excellent for removing plaque. But it works primarily on the outside surfaces of your teeth. Flossing finishes the process by getting between teeth and under the gum line.

3. How much floss should I use?

A. A clean section, about 18" long, is recommended. Use the entire length to be hygienic.

4. To take really good care of my teeth, I'm flossing regularly as well as the usual brushing. Which should I do first?

A. You should start by flossing, to loosen the plaque between your teeth. The brushing action will then remove all plaque very easily.

5. What's the purpose behind soft end-rounded bristles on a toothbrush?

A. Some toothbrushes have rough edges. End-rounding eliminates these rough edges, reducing the chance of injuring tissue with jagged bristle edges.

6. What are anticavity rinses?

A. Primarily for those in their cavity-prone years (children, teenagers, and seniors), an anti-cavity rinse contains fluoride, which helps prevent cavities. For less irritation, look for a rinse that is alcohol-free or low in alcohol.

7. What are antiplaque or antibacterial rinses?

A. Used after brushing and flossing, antiplaque rinses help kill plaque-building bacteria that may lead to gum disease

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