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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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Be sure to follow the special home care
instructions provided by your dental professional. |
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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. |
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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. |
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