Brushing and flossing for good oral hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Flossing once a day is also important in removing plaque from areas that can’t be reached by brushing.

Follow these tips to keep your teeth healthy and clean:

Brushing

· Your toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle against the gums.

· Move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes.

· Brush the whole surface of the tooth. The outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

· With a gentle up-and-down stroke, use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.

· Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria, which will freshen your breath.

Flossing

· Wind the floss 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.

· Use a gentle rubbing motion to guide the floss between your teeth.

· 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.

· Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

Source: American Dental Association

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