How to Keep your Teeth ? A Dentist?s Advice
Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.
Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.
Brushing and flossing are the actions you can take to remove plaque and prevent the formation of calculus. These actions must be repeated because growth of plaque is continuous.
It is important to brush teeth at least two times a day. The most important time to brush is right before bed. Use a soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
1. Use a circular motion gently while holding your brush at a 45-degree angle, and to be safe, make sure you feel the bristles on the gums.
2. Brush the outer inner and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Clean inside the front teeth with the tip of the bristles.
4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Electric toothbrushes are easy to use and effective and are recommended. You just place the brush on your gums and teeth and let it run, cleaning several teeth at once.
Brushing does not clean between teeth or under the gum line, so it is best to floss once a day. Plaque colonies are continually building up in these spaces, and can be destroyed by flossing, thus preventing gum and bone deterioration.
1. Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between the hands.
2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
3. Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and after meals in cases where you are not able to brush is vital to a clean mouth. Mouthwashes can also be used, but you should ask your dentist or dental hygienist to find out if it is suitable for you.
For best results in catching any problems early, schedule an appointment with your dentist twice a year. Brushing and flossing are simple things you can do in between to preserve dental health.
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