Plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease can be thwarted by brushing and flossing your teeth.
Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.
Brushing and flossing are the actions you can take to remove plaque and prevent the formation of calculus. These actions must be repeated because growth of plaque is continuous.
It is important to brush teeth at least two times a day. The most important time to brush is right before bed. Use a soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
1. Use a small circular motion, holding the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums. Be sure you feel the bristles on your gums.
2. Make sure you brush all surfaces of every tooth
3. Clean inside front teeth with the tip of the brush head.
4. Remove bacteria from your tongue by brushing it. This also freshens breath.
Electric toothbrushes are easy to use and effective and are recommended. You just place the brush on your gums and teeth and let it run, cleaning several teeth at once.
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone.
1. Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between the hands.
2. Gently insert the floss between teeth guiding it with thumbs and forefingers. Use a sawing motion to get the floss down to the gums.
3. Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and after meals in cases where you are not able to brush is vital to a clean mouth. Mouthwashes can also be used, but you should ask your dentist or dental hygienist to find out if it is suitable for you.
A check up with your dentist twice a year will increase your dental health, as he can always detect problems that can be handled before they become big problems. But these simple actions will contribute a lot to having fresh healthy teeth and gums. - 29879
Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.
Brushing and flossing are the actions you can take to remove plaque and prevent the formation of calculus. These actions must be repeated because growth of plaque is continuous.
It is important to brush teeth at least two times a day. The most important time to brush is right before bed. Use a soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
1. Use a small circular motion, holding the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums. Be sure you feel the bristles on your gums.
2. Make sure you brush all surfaces of every tooth
3. Clean inside front teeth with the tip of the brush head.
4. Remove bacteria from your tongue by brushing it. This also freshens breath.
Electric toothbrushes are easy to use and effective and are recommended. You just place the brush on your gums and teeth and let it run, cleaning several teeth at once.
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone.
1. Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between the hands.
2. Gently insert the floss between teeth guiding it with thumbs and forefingers. Use a sawing motion to get the floss down to the gums.
3. Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and after meals in cases where you are not able to brush is vital to a clean mouth. Mouthwashes can also be used, but you should ask your dentist or dental hygienist to find out if it is suitable for you.
A check up with your dentist twice a year will increase your dental health, as he can always detect problems that can be handled before they become big problems. But these simple actions will contribute a lot to having fresh healthy teeth and gums. - 29879
