People have different dental problems and benefit from different toothpastes. Talk to your dentist about the toothpaste that best suits your needs.

How much toothpaste should I use?
• A pea-sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush is all you need to clean your teeth
• Children should use a very small, baby pea-sized dab on their brush. Make sure it is never swallowed
  

Oral Rinses
Oral rinses, or mouth rinses, are liquids that you swirl in your mouth — no swallowing! — to combat various oral health problems.

They range from simple mouthwashes, that fight bad breath; to ones that contain fluoride; to other, more specialized ones that fight conditions such as plaque and gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.

Oral rinses are most definitely not a substitute for flossing and brushing your teeth. Oral rinses are also generally not recommended for children, especially those who live in an area of fluoridated water.

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products would be appropriate for you and your family.