PROPER BRUSHING & FLOSSING TECHNIQUES

 

 

PROPER BRUSHING

Proper brushing helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss. Use a soft-bristle brush and an CDA-accepted fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles. Replace your brush every three months.

 

On outer and inner surfaces, brush at a 45-degree angle in short, half-tooth-wide strokes against the gumline.

On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth.

On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and down strokes with toe of brush.

Brush the tongue in a back-to-front sweeping motion to remove food particles and freshen your mouth.

 

 

PROPER FLOSSING

Flossing daily removes plaque and food particles between teeth and below the gumline.

 

Wrap an 18-inch strand around your middle fingers and hold a one-inch section tightly.

Ease floss between teeth. Clean up and down several times while curving around teeth at the gumline.

Always floss behind the last tooth. Unwind clean floss as you proceed.

Floss around the abutment teeth of a bridge and under artificial teeth using a floss threader.