Brushing and Flossing
You should brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day to remove plaque and to prevent tooth decay. Follow the steps below for proper brushing. Contact your doctor if you have any questions.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. They are kinder to your teeth and gums. They also make it easier to remove plaque from below the gum line, where gum disease starts.
- Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride strengthens the outer enamel layer of the teeth. It can stop a cavity in its tracks and give you more resistance to future cavities.
- Make sure your brushing routine lasts long enough to thoroughly remove plaque. We recommend that you brush for at least 2 minutes.
Step 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.
Step 2
Apply gentle pressure and brush gently in a circular motion.
Step 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Step 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
Step 5
End by brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
How to Floss Your Teeth
You should floss your teeth thoroughly at least once a day to remove plaque from the areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Periodontal disease and many cavities start between the teeth. That is why flossing is necessary for removing plaque and bacteria that cause these dental diseases. Follow the steps below for proper flossing, and contact your doctor if you have any questions.
Step 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and as the floss is used, the other finger takes it up.
Step 2
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth
Step 4
Holding the floss tightly gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Step 4
Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth. Make sure to floss on both sides of every tooth.
