Brush thoroughly with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste 3 times
a day.
Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or an
interdental cleaner.
Eat a well-balanced diet. When possible, limit between-meal snacks
containing refined sugars.
Schedule regular dental checkups. Professional teeth cleaning and
examinations are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile.
CHOOSING
PRODUCTS
The American Dental Association suggest using a soft-bristled
toothbrush. The size and shape of the toothbrush should allow you to
comfortably reach every tooth. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4
months or more often if the bristles are worn.
Toothpaste that displays the ADA Seal of Acceptance contains
fluoride, which helps keep tooth enamel strong and can aid in
remineralizing (repairing) microscopic decay.
Oral irrigating devices use a stream of water to remove food
particles around the teeth. They can be helpful for persons wearing
braces or fixed or partial dentures. However, an oral irrigator is
meant to enhance, not replace, regular brushing and flossing.
Special mouthwashes used to freshen breath are available through
our office. A fluoride mouth rinse can help
prevent tooth decay. An antimicrobial mouth rinse helps control
plaque and reduce gingivitis.
BASIC
BRUSHING
1. Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle
against the gums.
2. Move the brush back and forth
gently in short (tooth wide) strokes.
3. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth
surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
4. Use the "toe" of the brush to clean
the inside surface of the front teeth, using a gentle up and down
stroke.
5. Brush your tongue to remove
bacteria and freshen your breath.
BASIC
FLOSSING
1. Break off about 18 inches of floss
and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the
remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand.
2. Hold the floss tightly between your
thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth, using a
gentle rubbing motion. To avoid injuring your gums, never snap the floss
into the gums.
3. When the floss reaches the
gumline,
curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into
the space between the gum and the tooth.
4. Hold the floss tightly against the
tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the
gum with up and down motions.
5. Repeat this method on the rest of
your teeth. Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.
