How does brushing prevent cavities?
GRAZIANO GIGLIO, DDS: Brushing removes the food and the bacteria, and also coats the teeth with some fluoride which also prevents cavities. It coats and protects them and also remineralizes them. How often should people brush and floss? PAUL KAMEN, DDS: You should brush twice a day. For most people, flossing once a day is adequate. Although if you feel that you’re getting food stuck between your teeth-especially people who have lots of fillings or whose teeth are very, very close together, they tend to have that feeling that something is stuck in-between-it certainly doesn’t hurt to floss more and get that food out between each meal. I would also add that I like to see patients spend at least one time during the day brushing in a very concerted way, for about seven minutes. Brushing really properly, really taking the time to get into those gum crevices. Get to the back teeth, get to the inside surfaces of the teeth, and then of course, to floss. What about sealants? What are they and h
