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. |