While the following brushing and flossing tips may contain
useful general guidelines, you should see a dentist to ensure
that you use a technique that is appropriate for you!
Brushing Tips
• Use a soft bristled brush, preferably one with rounded,
synthetic bristles. Replace your toothbrush approximately
every two to three months or as soon as the bristles are worn
or bent. A worn-out toothbrush does not clean your teeth properly,
and may actually injure your gums..
• Be sure your brush is the right size (in general,
smaller is better than larger).
• Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the gum
line, and slide the tips of the brush under the gums.
• Gently jiggle the bristles or move it in small circles
over the tooth and gums.
• Brush the outside, the inside, and the chewing surfaces
of your teeth. For chewing surfaces, use a light back and
forth motion.
• For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of
the upper and lower jaws: Tilt your brush vertically and make
several strokes up and down with the front part of the brush
over the teeth and gum tissues.
• Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath.
Debris and bacteria can collect on your tongue and cause bad
breath.
• Since your toothbrush will only clean one or two
teeth at a time, change its position to clean each tooth properly.
• Brush twice every day, this is especially important
at bedtime right before going to sleep.
• Take your time: A thorough brushing should take at
least 2 minutes.
• Don't brush your teeth too vigorously, and don't
use a hard bristled toothbrush, since it causes the gums to
recede and exposes root surfaces. It also wears down the tooth
structure. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.
• A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste is sufficient
look for the Canadian Dental Association seal of approval.
Avoid gel toothpastes they are often too abrasive.
• Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread,
as a worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
Flossing Tips
• Wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers
of your hands.
• Hold the floss tightly, using your thumbs and forefingers,
and gently guide it between your teeth. Don't "snap"
the floss as this can cut the gums!
• When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into
a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space
between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against
the tooth.
• Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss.
• Repeat this method on all your teeth.
• Move to a clean area of floss after one or two teeth.
See these links for more information:
http://www.cresthealthysmiles.com/youcanhelp.htm
http://www.oralb.com/learningcenter/
> Back to top
|
