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General Tooth Care
Correct Brushing Technique:
- Place your toothbrush at a
45-degree angle against the gums
- Move the brush back and forth
gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes
- Brush the outer tooth surfaces,
the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth
- Use the "toe" of the brush to
clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle
up-and-down stroke
- Brush your tongue to remove
bacteria and freshen your breath
- To protect your toothbrush from
bacteria, follow the steps listed below.
Do:
- Wash your hands before and after brushing
- Allow the brush to air dry after each use, since the bacteria most
harmful will die when exposed to oxygen
- Store the toothbrush in an upright position, so water drains from it
and it dries faster
- Replace it every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles appear worn or
you've had a cold or flu to prevent possible reinfection
- Clean the cover or container often to kill potentially harmful
bacteria that could cause periodontal diseases, a serious bacterial
infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that
holds teeth in the mouth
Do not:
- Share your toothbrush. The exchange of body fluids from sharing
toothbrushes could increase the risk for infections
- Re-use or share the same disinfecting solutions or mouthwashes to
disinfect toothbrushes because this can lead to cross-contamination
- Routinely cover toothbrushes or store in closed containers. This
creates a humid environment that is more susceptible to bacterial growth
- Use a community toothbrush holder. If you must, clean it often and
make sure that the bristles do not touch one another
- Touch the toothpaste tube to your toothbrush
Correct Flossing Technique:
- 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. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes
dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
Never snap the floss into the gums
- When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against
one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth
- 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
- Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth
- Don't forget the back side of your last tooth
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