BASIC CARE

• Brush thoroughly with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste 3 times a day.

•  Clean between your teeth 3 times a day with floss or an interdental cleaner.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. When possible, limit between-meal snacks containing refined sugars.

• Schedule regular dental checkups every 3 months. Professional teeth cleaning and examinations are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile.

CHOOSING PRODUCTS

• The American Dental Association suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush. The size and shape of the toothbrush should allow you to comfortably reach every tooth. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or more often if the bristles are worn.

• Toothpaste that displays the ADA Seal of Acceptance contains fluoride, which helps keep tooth enamel strong and can aid in remineralizing (repairing) microscopic decay.

• Oral irrigating devices use a stream of water to remove food particles around the teeth. They can be helpful for persons wearing braces or fixed or partial dentures. However, an oral irrigator is meant to enhance, not replace, regular brushing and flossing.

• Special mouthwashes used to freshen breath are available through our office. A fluoride mouth rinse can help prevent tooth decay. An antimicrobial mouth rinse helps control plaque and reduce gingivitis.

BASIC BRUSHING

1. Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gums.

2. Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth wide) strokes.

3. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
 

4. Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surface of the front teeth, using a gentle up and down stroke.

5. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

BASIC FLOSSING

1. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand.

2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth, using a gentle rubbing motion. To avoid injuring your gums, never snap the floss into the gums.

3. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

4. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

5. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.