Oral Hygiene
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Brushing and flossing your teeth, is the key to successful oral hygiene and help preserve primary teeth.
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Brushing
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What Is the Proper way to Brush? Proper brushing takes at least two minutes — that's right, 120 seconds! Using a clock or timer can help monitor the time spent brushing. To properly brush your teeth, use short, soft strokes, paying very close attention at the gumline, hard to reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Try to start at area's that are hard to reach and don't FORGET, for fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue too!
What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use? Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is the best way to remove plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, as they can better reach all areas of your mouth, including those hard-to-reach back teeth. A powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning your teeth, especially for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity.
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How Important is the Toothpaste I Use? It is important that you use a toothpaste that's right for you. Today there are a wide variety of toothpastes to help treat or relieve certain problems, including tartar, cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, stained teeth and even sensitivity. Ask your dental TEAM which toothpaste is right for you.
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Flossing
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The biggest reason your dental TEAM recommends flossing is because, when done properly, flossing removes plaque, bacteria and food from places where your toothbrush cannot adequately reach, like under the gumline or between your teeth. Plaque build-up or tartar can lead to tooth decay and gum disease so daily flossing is highly recommended. Always make sure to make a "C" motion around the tooth to ensure more coverage and to be more effective.
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What is the Right Way to Floss? To receive maximum benefits from flossing, try the following techniques: Use approximately about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with. Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers and slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth. Make sure you go beneath the gum line while making a "C" shaped motion around each side of the tooth. Never force the floss through the contact, as this may make your gums bleed. Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth. To remove the floss, use the same back and forth ``see saw`` motion.
