With proper care, your teeth and gums can stay healthy throughout
your life. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the less risk
you have for tooth decay and gum disease.
How Should I Care for My Teeth and Gums?
There are four basic steps to caring for teeth
and gums:
Brushing
Flossing
Eating right
Visiting the dentist
Tips for Brushing
Brush at least twice a day. If you can, brush
after every meal. Brushing removes plaque, a film of bacteria
that clings to teeth. When bacteria in plaque come into contact
with food, they produce acids. These acids lead to cavities. To
brush:
Place a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste
on the head of the toothbrush. (Use a soft toothbrush.)
-Place the toothbrush against the teeth at a 45-degree angle to
the gum line.
Move the brush across the teeth using a small
circular motion. Continue with this motion cleaning one tooth
at a time.
Keep the tips of the bristles against the gum
line.
Avoid pressing so hard that the bristles lie
flat against the teeth. (Only the tips of the toothbrush clean
the teeth.) Let the bristles reach into spaces between teeth.
Brush across the top of the chewing surfaces
of the teeth. Make sure the bristles get into the groves and crevices.
Use the same small circular motion to clean the
backside of the upper and lower teeth – the side that faces the
tongue.
