PROPER BRUSHING
Proper brushing helps minimize the
risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth
loss. Use a soft-bristle brush and an ADA-accepted fluoride
toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles. Replace your
brush every three months.
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On outer and inner surfaces,
brush at a 45-degree angle in short, half-tooth-wide strokes
against the gumline. |
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On chewing surfaces,
hold the brush flat and brush back and forth. |
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On inside surfaces of front
teeth, tilt brush
vertically and use gentle up and down strokes with toe of
brush. |
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Brush the tongue
in a back-to-front sweeping
motion to remove food particles and freshen your mouth. |
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PROPER FLOSSING
Flossing daily removes plaque
and food particles between teeth and below the gumline.
Wrap an 18-inch strand around your middle fingers and hold a
one-inch section tightly.
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Ease floss between teeth. Clean up and down several times
while curving around teeth at the gumline. |
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Always floss behind the last
tooth. Unwind clean floss as you proceed. |
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Floss around the abutment teeth of a bridge and under
artificial teeth using a floss threader. |
You may experience sore or
bleeding gums for the first several days you floss. If bleeding
continues after the first week of flossing, call your dental
professional. If you have trouble handling floss, ask your
dentist about the use of a floss holder, or other types of
interdental cleaning aids. |
