Cleaning
Effective and thorough tooth brushing removes plaque and food particles from tooth surfaces. There are many acceptable toothbrushing methods.
Here is once effective method:
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| 1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle (tilt) to the gums. | 2. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. | 3. Brush the inner (tongue side) and outer tooth surfaces. |
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| 4. Brush the chewing surfaces. | 5. Brush the inside of the front teeth. | 6. Brush your tongue, too. |
Follow this procedure for a recommended 2 minutes, in the morning and before you go to bed. Flossing is also recommended for optimal cleaning between your teeth.
Flossing
Even if you brush every day, decay-causing bacteria still lingers between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. One way to remove hard-to-reach plaque is with dental floss. Flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth.
Here is one effective method:
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| 1. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around one of your fingers. | 2. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the your other hand. | 3. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, with about an inch of floss between them. |
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| 4. Use a gentle rubbing motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Do not jerk or snap the floss into your gums. | 5. When you reach the gum line, curve into a ” C ” shape against one tooth. | 6. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance. Gently rub the side of the tooth moving away from the gum. |
Follow this procedure between each of your teeth, repeat as necessary. It is recommended to floss BEFORE you brush to remove and loosen plaque before the brush.