Brushing Your Teeth
Since childhood, most of our dental concerns have focused on the fear of getting “cavities” due to tooth decay. Tooth Decay (dental “caries”) is the decomposition of tooth structure caused by the destructive toxins creating by plaque, a combination of natural bacteria and food debris left on the teeth by inadequate oral hygiene.

The best advice is to brush your teeth twice a day – in the morning and at bedtime is convenient. You should use a soft-tufted brush. The right size brush is important as it should fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas easily.

Place the tufts along the gumline at a 45 degree angle making sure that the brush touches both the tooth surface and the gums.

You should spend 30 seconds brushing each of the four sections of your mouth – upper left and right and lower left and right making sure that the insides, outsides and biting surfaces of all teeth are all brushed, concentrating in the area where the tooth meets the gum.

Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. You may find it easier to use a modern electric toothbrush - just guide it around your mouth without putting much pressure on it.

Dentists recommend using a toothpaste containing fluoride which helps protect your teeth from decay. A pea sized amount of toothpaste on your brush is quite sufficient.

And don’t forget to clean your tongue - ideally using special tongue cleaner – it will leave your mouth feeling really fresh.

Here's how you should brush your teeth for a bright smile:

	1. Place the toothbrush against your gumline, where the teeth and gums meet, at a 45-degree angle. Use a small circular motion to brush your teeth and gums. 2. Brush the inner surfaces or backs of your front teeth with the front part of your toothbrush. 3. Brush back and forth on the chewing surfaces of your teeth holding the brush flat.
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Flosses and picks
Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulate on teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to gum disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpiks, but floss is the best choice.

Should I floss?
Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Floss is the single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important than the toothbrush. Many people just don't spend enough time flossing or brushing and many have never been taught to floss or brush properly. When you visit your dentist or hygienist, ask to be shown.

Which type of floss should I use?
Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, wide and regular. Wide floss, or dental tape, may be helpful for people with a lot of bridgework. Tapes are usually recommended when the spaces between teeth are wide.

They all clean and remove plaque about the same. Waxed floss might be easier to slide between tight teeth or tight restorations. However, the unwaxed floss makes a squeaking sound to let you know your teeth are clean. Bonded unwaxed floss does not fray as easily as regular unwaxed floss, but does tear more than waxed floss.

How should I floss?
There are two flossing methods: the spool method and the loop method. The spool method is suited for those with manual dexterity. Take an 18-inch piece of floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle finger. (Don't cut off your finger's circulation!) Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed.

Maneuver the floss between teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Don't pull it down hard against your gums or you will hurt them. Don't rub it side to side as if you're shining shoes. Bring the floss up and down several times forming a "C" shape around the tooth being sure to go below the gum line.

The loop method is suited for children or adults with less nimble hands, poor muscular coordination or arthritis. Take an 18inch piece of floss and make it into a circle. Tie it securely with three knots. Place all of the fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gumline forming a "C" on the side of the tooth.

How often should I floss?
At least once a day. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend at least two or three minutes.

Dental Related Links

Better Oral Health
www.betteroralhealth.info
BetterOralHealth.info is dedicated to providing advice and information on oral care and maintaining a healthy, bright smile.