Only a few minutes of attention per day can save you time, money and *pain* in the future. It took me quite a few years to understand this. I got the message after getting a few lectures and going under the drill a few times!

Brushing off the plaque that starts to collect on your teeth is the main goal. Palque is transparent, so it is not like you can wait til you see it before you react. (Then it is too late). Plauque is a layer of bacteria - say it: BAC TEER EYA :) Brushing gets rid of the wee beasties. Brushing has another added effect - it stimulates your gums wihich in turn, increases the blood flow and keeps them healthy. See? a 2 for one deal - this brushing thing is really starting to pay off!

OK, grab that toothpaste as you are brushing, you can feel the grit in the paste. These are called abrasives - they are surrounded by cleaning agents and the fun foaming stuff you drip all over your clothes before leaving the house. The main ingredient in toothpaste is Fluoride. Fluoride has been proven to fight the bacteria that cause cavities.

Upon my latest visit to the dentist, I was informed that my plaque was quite low because I have very active salivary glands - so not everyone has the same natural defences. Imagine that - the pool of drool I create every night is actually a benefit!

Anyway - we have collected all kinds of dental-related questions - we hope you find them of some use. If you have your own questions, please send them to us. Or if you see a question that needs an answer, feel free to send in your answer.

OK, enough yammerin - time to start reading :)

Have fun!