Dental Hygiene

The most important part of dental hygiene is establishing a regular brushing and flossing routine for daily use. When brushing your teeth, choose a soft-tip brush, use a fluoride toothpaste, and make sure to floss daily.

• Brushing your Teeth
• Choosing a Toothpaste
• Flossing
• Preventing Plaque

Brushing your Teeth

Choose a soft-tip brush that won't press too hard against the gums and is comfortable to hold.

1. Start by slowly brushing the top and bottom portions in a circular motion on the front and back sides of each tooth.

2. Make sure to brush all your teeth every time you brush, then brush the roof of your mouth and the top of your tongue, to kill any remaining bacteria.

3. Spit out all excess water and toothpaste to remove all the germs that are in the liquid. Without spitting, the germs will remain in your mouth and can cause cavities, even if you do brush your teeth regularly.

4. Toothbrushes should be replaced when the bristles are worn down.
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Choosing a Toothpaste

Fluoride toothpaste is the best choice because it fights plaque build-up. Using a toothpaste or mouthwash with fluoride assist in the brushing and flossing process, but it is not healthy when digested. Every time you brush your teeth or use mouthwash, it is crucial to spit out, rather than ingest, the liquid.
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Flossing

Flossing is beneficial to dental hygiene because it removes particles between the teeth that can’t be removed by brushing alone. These include:

• Plaque
• Bacteria
• Food particle

Be careful when flossing, because gums are sensitive. Forcing the string between your teeth can cause small abrasions that can have harmful effects.

Flossing is even more important when you have braces, so be sure to consult your orthodontist on the best way to floss between the brackets.
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Preventing Plaque

Plaque is a sticky, white film that sticks to your teeth after meals and can grow in the middle of the night. The film on its own is not harmful, but mixed in with sugars from your diet it can create an acid that erodes the enamel on your teeth, taking toll on your dental health. Any erosion of the enamel is considered a cavity, a small hole in the tooth. Cavities can become worse and worse over time and can only be corrected by a dentist.
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