Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Easy as 1, 2....3!!!

1.Brush at least two times daily

How do I choose the right toothbrush?
  • Bristle: It is important to be gentle to your gums, so a soft –bristled brush is best.
  • Size: Select a brush that fits comfortable in all areas of your mouth
  • Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush: Both are effective in removing plaque if used correctly.
  • Brushing Tips
  • Do not press hard! Brushing too hard can cause gums to recede and expose root areas, which can lead to tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods.
  • Brush all sides of your teeth gently and slowly for 2-3 minutes in an up and down, as well as circular motion, especially along the gum line.
  • Gently brushing your tongue is also helpful in removing bacteria and food particles and may help with bad breath.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months as the bristles begin to spread.
  • Use any kind of toothpaste – as long as it has fluoride in it.
  • A pinky-nail size amount of toothpaste is all you need.

2.Floss Daily

Why is it important to floss daily?
Plaque accumulates between the teeth, areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing helps to break up and pull out the plaque. If you don’t get rid of the plaque between your teeth, cavaties can result, tartar can form, and gum disease may result. Flossing also helps control bad breath.
What’s the best way to floss?
  • Ease the floss between each tooth. Try not to snap the floss between the teeth.
  • Bend the floss around each tooth to form a “C”
  • Move the floss up and down against each tooth, making sure you gently get slightly under the gum line of each tooth.
  • Be sure to floss behind the rear-most molars.
Use of mouth rise does not take the place of brushing or flossing.

3.SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY

It is important to see your dentist regularly. Even though you are working hard by brushing twice a day and flossing daily, your dentist will give your teeth an extra special cleaning and remove any tartar that may have formed. If you have a cavity, it is important to get it taken care of as soon as possible to lessen pain and possibly prevent developing a painful infection. Your dentist may also spot other medical problems just by looking in your mouth. Your dentist will let you know how often you should schedule visits.

No comments:

Post a Comment