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Proper brushing helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. |
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Always use ADA-accepted toothpaste. |
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Use a soft bristled toothbrush; they are much kinder to your gums and teeth! |
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Replace your brush every three months. |
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Brush at a 45 degree angle in short, circular strokes, at the gum line, on outer and inner surfaces |
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Hold the brush flat and brush back and forth on chewing surfaces, |
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Tilt your brush vertically on inside surfaces of front teeth, and use gentle up and down strokes. |
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Brush the tongue in a back and forth, sweeping motion to remove food particles and freshen your mouth. |
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Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles trapped between your teeth and below the gum line. |
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Wrap an 18 inch strand of floss around your middle fingers and hold a 1 inch section tightly. |
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Ease the floss between the teeth. Clean up and down several times while curving around the teeth at the gum line. |
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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 your floss, ask your dentist about the use of a floss holder, or other types of interdental cleaning aids |
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Follow all special care home instruction given to you by your dentist. |
