It hard to believe that many children and adult still do not take simple measure that have been proven to be effective in the  fight against oral diseases and another dental care issues.  By making these changes you are not only preventing oral diseases but reducing your dental care costs. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes.  Make sure you are brushing your teeth correctly. Brush you teeth in small circles and not up and down or back and forth. Make sure you are brushing all your teeth including the back ones.  (What kids as they are learning to brush.  They tend to only brush the front teeth) Using toothpaste with fluoride as it is good way to prevent tooth decay and is cost-effective.  With young children however make sure you keep the toothpaste out of their reach. Use only a pee size amount of toothpaste or less if younger.  Otherwise do not use fluoride toothpaste until they learn to spit and not swallow.