Preventive Care
Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:
* Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
* Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
Brushing Instructions
Brushing: Step 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.
Brushing: Step 2
Brush gently in a circular motion.
Brushing: Step 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each
tooth.
Brushing: Step 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of
your front teeth!
Flossing
Flossing: Step 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as
shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one
finger, and as the floss is used, the other finger takes
it up.
Flossing: Step 2
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about
one inch of floss between your teeth.
Flossing: Step 3
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss
between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a Cshape
against one tooth and gently slide it beneath
your gums.
Flossing: Step 4
Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each
tooth.