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Dental Tips from your Hygienist
The main cause of tooth decay and periodontal disease is
bacterial plaque. Plaque forms continuously on your teeth and is a
sticky colorless film. By removing plaque daily with thorough brushing
and flossing, you can prevent the damage associated with tooth decay and
periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the major cause of adult
tooth loss.
Brushing & Flossing
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Toothbrushes |
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Manual - Choose a soft (not medium or hard) bristle
brush with a small head. Hard and medium texture can abrade the
gum and cause recession. |
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Electric - Electric toothbrushes have been shown to
be at least 25% more effective than manual toothbrushes when used
correctly. |
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*** A worn old brush will not clean teeth
properly. Toothbrushes with bristles that are worn, bent or frayed
should be replaced. Toothbrushes should also be replaced after you
have been sick, or had a cold or flu. |
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Technique |
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You should brush at least twice a day, using a fluoride
toothpaste. It is recommended you brush for at least two
minutes. Hold the brush like a pen, so you can't brush too
hard. Brushing gently for more time is more effective then
scrubbing as fast as you can. To clean the outside surfaces, hold
the brush at a 45° angle to the tooth where the gums meet the
tooth. Using small circular strokes, gently move the brush back
and forth using light pressure. After cleaning the outside, use
the same technique on the inside. When you have completed the
sides of all teeth, remember to brush the biting surfaces.
Brushing the tongue is helpful to also remove plaque and contributes to
fresher breath. |
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Flossing |
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Toothbrushing alone will not clean away all plaque because
there are areas between the teeth that a brush cannot reach.
Flossing is the most effective way to reach these areas. You
should floss at least once a day. Flossing may be difficult to
master, but repetition will make flossing become easier. Begin
with a piece of floss that is approximately 18 inches long.
Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle fingers of each hand,
then grasp a length of about one inch between your thumb and index
fingers. Gently insert the floss between the teeth. A slight
"sawing" motion may be necessary to pass the floss between the
tight contacts. Curve the floss into a tight "C" shape
pulling it against one tooth until you feel tight resistance. Move
the floss up and down against the side of the tooth, extending two to
three millimeters below the gum. As the floss becomes frayed or
soiled, a turn from one middle finger to the other will bring up a fresh
section of floss. |
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