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Proper Brushing
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Brushing
your teeth at least twice daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease,
the major causes of tooth loss. Use a soft-bristle brush remove plaque and
food particles. Replace your brush every two to 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
your 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. 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 dentist. If you are having trouble handling floss, you can ask about
the use of a floss holder or other types of interdental cleaning aids.
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Find all
that you want to know about Dental Care at Dental
Care Tips & FAQ page.
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Wrap an
18-inch strand around your middle fingers and hold a one-inch section
tightly.
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Ease
floss between your teeth. Clean up and down several times while curving around
teeth at the gumline. Don't scrub.
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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.
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