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Dental Care:
While the following brushing and flossing tips may contain useful
general guidelines, you should see a dental hygienist 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. Look for the American Dental Association seal
of approval. 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. You
should also replace your toothbrush after you've had a cold.
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 at least once every day, preferably at
bedtime. Adding a brush time after breakfast increases your chances of
thorough daily plaque removal.
Take your time: A thorough brushing should take at
least 3 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.
Replace your brush when the bristles begin to
spread, as a worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
Flossing Tips
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