Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.
Plaque is composed of bacteria, saliva and food particles. It adheres to teeth and gums and if it is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). Bacteria in plaque also make acids from food particles and that acid causes tooth decay. Periodontal (gum) disease results from the plaque and calculus destroying gums and bone.
Because plaque is continually forming in the mouth, the only way to control it is with regular brushing and flossing of the teeth.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice daily. The most important time to brush is before bedtime.
1. Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, gently using a small circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
2. Brush the outer inner and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Clean inside the front teeth with the tip of the bristles.
4. Remove bacteria from your tongue by brushing it. This also freshens breath.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.
Brushing does not clean between teeth or under the gum line, so it is best to floss once a day. Plaque colonies are continually building up in these spaces, and can be destroyed by flossing, thus preventing gum and bone deterioration.
1. Cut off a length of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers. Leave 2 inches between the fingers.
2. With a sawing motion, gently press the floss down between the teeth.
3. To get the floss under the gum line wrap it into a C-shape around each tooth and move it up and down. Clean both sides of each tooth.
If you have any difficulty with this procedure, you can use a floss holder.
Rinsing is also important. If you can't brush after a meal, at least rinse your mouth with water. And, of course, rinse after brushing. Check with a dentist or dental hygienist to find out if a particular mouthwash is right for you.
These are simple things you can do to preserve dental health. Of course, visiting your dentist a couple times a year will add to the preventive measures you take yourself.
Plaque is composed of bacteria, saliva and food particles. It adheres to teeth and gums and if it is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). Bacteria in plaque also make acids from food particles and that acid causes tooth decay. Periodontal (gum) disease results from the plaque and calculus destroying gums and bone.
Because plaque is continually forming in the mouth, the only way to control it is with regular brushing and flossing of the teeth.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice daily. The most important time to brush is before bedtime.
1. Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, gently using a small circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
2. Brush the outer inner and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Clean inside the front teeth with the tip of the bristles.
4. Remove bacteria from your tongue by brushing it. This also freshens breath.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.
Brushing does not clean between teeth or under the gum line, so it is best to floss once a day. Plaque colonies are continually building up in these spaces, and can be destroyed by flossing, thus preventing gum and bone deterioration.
1. Cut off a length of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers. Leave 2 inches between the fingers.
2. With a sawing motion, gently press the floss down between the teeth.
3. To get the floss under the gum line wrap it into a C-shape around each tooth and move it up and down. Clean both sides of each tooth.
If you have any difficulty with this procedure, you can use a floss holder.
Rinsing is also important. If you can't brush after a meal, at least rinse your mouth with water. And, of course, rinse after brushing. Check with a dentist or dental hygienist to find out if a particular mouthwash is right for you.
These are simple things you can do to preserve dental health. Of course, visiting your dentist a couple times a year will add to the preventive measures you take yourself.
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