Small changes to your lifestyle can have big impacts on your dental health. Proper brushing and flossing techniques can dramatically improve your periodontal health. The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
How do I brush my teeth?
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.
Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. There are many products available over the counter at your local super center or drug store . I recommend using Stimudent and ProxyBrush in addition to flossing. If you are prone to periodontal disease, you should floss after each meal. Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
How do I floss my teeth?
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.
Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. If you have a soft drink habit, try not to sip on high sugar, carbonated drinks all day. The acid in sodas literally dissolve the enamel on your teeth. Then , the sugar fees bacteria in your mouth . If you must enjoy the occasional soda, rinse your mouth when you finish your drink.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams. Even the most diligent brusher and flosser needs a little help .
Regular use of a fluoride mouth rinse, such as ACT helps to reduce and prevent tooth decay.The fluoride helps to remineralize the enamel. This can also help with patients who suffer from sensitive teeth.
Excerpts from http://www.ada.org/public/topics/alpha.asp
As always, call our office to schedule your next appointment!
Brian Johnson DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
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