To keep your teeth and gums healthy, the ADA suggests the following habits: 

• Brush two times a day;
• Use a soft-bristled brush;
• Select a brush that suits the shape and size of your mouth;{relatedarticles}
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months;
• Use ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste;
• Floss once a day; and
• Stick to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary guideline of a whole foods diet containing mostly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins. 

A Little Common Sense Goes a Long Way  

When it comes to what you put into your body and what's best for your health, a little common sense goes a long way. Look at the nutrition label on a diet soda can. You'll find ingredients listed such as artificial flavors, sodium benzoate, aspartame, potassium citrate and acesulfame potassium. Do you know what these ingredients actually are? 

A good rule of thumb to follow is that if you don't know what it is, it was likely made in a laboratory. If you can't pronounce it, you probably shouldn't be ingesting it.