Preventive dentistry

thumb|upright=1.35|alt=plastic toothbrushes |Three plastic toothbrushes thumb|Head of a simple toothbrush

thumb|alt=Photo with toothpaste from a tube of toothpaste being applied to the bristles of a toothbrush in the foreground|Toothpaste from a tube being applied to the bristles of a toothbrush Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice that is used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the aesthetics of teeth. Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene: it is an abrasive that aids in removing dental plaque and food from the teeth, assists in suppressing halitosis, and delivers active ingredients (most commonly fluoride) to help prevent tooth decay (dental caries) and gum disease (gingivitis). Due

thumb|Wood toothpicks thumb|Oral B toothpicks thumb|Bamboo toothpick thumb|Curved metal toothpick (reusable) A toothpick is a small thin stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal, bone or other substance with at least one and sometimes two pointed ends to insert between teeth to remove detritus, usually after a meal. Toothpicks are also used for festive occasions to hold or spear small appetizers (like cheese cubes or olives) or as a cocktail stick, and can be decorated with plastic frills or small paper umbrellas or flags.

The miswak is a teeth-cleaning twig made from the Salvadora persica tree. The miswak's properties have been described as follows: "Apart from their antibacterial activity which may help control the formation and activity of dental plaque, they can be used effectively as a natural toothbrush for teeth cleaning. Such sticks are effective, inexpensive, common, available, and contain many medical properties".

addition of fluoride to a water supply to reduce tooth decay

the practice of keeping one's oral cavity clean and free of disease and other problems (e.g. bad breath) by regular brushing of the teeth (dental hygiene) and adopting good hygiene habits

act of scrubbing teeth with a toothbrush equipped with toothpaste

non-clinical specialty of dentistry that deals with the prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health

Dental term