While the following brushing and flossing tips may contain
useful general guidelines, you should see a dental hygienist to ensure that you
use a technique that is appropriate for you!
Brushing Tips
- Use a soft bristled brush, preferably one with rounded, synthetic bristles. Look for the American Dental Association seal of approval. Replace your toothbrush approximately every two to three months or as soon as the bristles are worn or bent. A worn-out toothbrush does not clean your teeth properly, and may actually injure your gums. You should also replace your toothbrush after you've had a cold.
- Be sure your brush is the right size (in general, smaller is better than larger).
- Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the gum line, and slide the tips of the brush under the gums.
- Gently jiggle the bristles or move it in small circles over the tooth and gums.
- Brush the outside, the inside, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. For chewing surfaces, use a light back and forth motion.
- For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower jaws: Tilt your brush vertically and make several strokes up and down with the front part of the brush over the teeth and gum tissues.
- Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath. Debris and bacteria can collect on your tongue and cause bad breath.
- Since your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time, change its position to clean each tooth properly.
- Brush at least once every day, preferably at bedtime. Adding a brush time after breakfast increases your chances of thorough daily plaque removal.
- Take your time: A thorough brushing should take at least 3 minutes.
- Don't brush your teeth too vigorously, and don't use a hard bristled toothbrush, since it causes the gums to recede and exposes root surfaces. It also wears down the tooth structure. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.
- A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste is sufficient.
- Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread, as a worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
Flossing Tips
- Wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of your hands.
- Hold the floss tightly, using your thumbs and forefingers, and gently guide it between your teeth. Don't "snap" the floss as this can cut the gums!
- When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against the tooth.
- Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss.
- Repeat this method on all your teeth.
- Move to a clean area of floss after one or two teeth.
