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