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 FlossingFlossing 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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