•How can I check if I'm brushing my teeth properly?
Brushing helps remove a sticky film of bacteria called plaque.
The bacteria in plaque breaks down tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.
Fight tooth decay and gum disease by brushing teeth twice a day?
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and night, for two minutes. Use a soft, small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Your toothbrush should be placed at a 45 degree angle to your gums.
Brush gently and thoroughly by moving the brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes.
Brush all the surfaces of all your teeth including the inner tooth surfaces and the chewing surfaces. Use the ‘toe’ of the brush for the inner front tooth surfaces. And don’t forget to brush the top surface of your tongue.
•What about the different types of floss, which should I use?
One type of dental floss does not work for everyone. You can choose between waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, and regular or tape types.
In general, a waxed floss slides between the teeth easier than an unwaxed floss.
Flavored floss leaves a fresh taste in the mouth, and is especially nice for those times when brushing or rinsing is not possible.
Tape floss is typically thicker than regular floss and is generally favored by people with wide gaps between their teeth.
Some people with limited dexterity or arthritis cannot easily manipulate dental floss. These people may wish to try dental floss holders or intra-dental cleaners.
