For most of us, thorough daily oral hygiene lays the groundwork for a healthy smile.

 

Just a simple routine of brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental checkups, can be enough in most cases to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
 
BRUSHING UP ON TECHNIQUE
Since there are various techniques for brushing your teeth, it’s a good idea to ask
your dentist which one to use. 
 
 Here are a few tips to help you develop a good brushing                    routine:
  • Brush twice a day.
  • Use a fluoride containing toothpaste to help prevent  tooth decay.
  • Place your brush at a slight angle toward the gums when brushing along the gum line.
  • Use a gentle touch—it doesn’t take much pressure to remove the plaque from your teeth, and a vigorous scrubbing could irritate your gums.
  • Concentrate on cleaning all the surfaces of the teeth.
  • Brushing your tongue gently can help  remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
 
THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING
Cleaning between your teeth is every bit as important as brushing. Since brushing can’t effectively clean between teeth, it’s important to use floss to get to those areas.
Other items also are available to help you clean between your teeth. Ask your dentist
which ones to use. 
  • Clean between your teeth once a day.
  • As with brushing, use a gentle touch to avoid injuring your gum tissue.
 
IT’S YOUR CHOICE
Sometimes just walking down the oral health care aisle in your local drug store is
enough to make your head spin. With so many choices, how can you choose which
products are best for you? 
 
  • Ask your dentist to help you select the best products for your needs. Because there are distinctive oral hygiene routines and techniques, some products seem to work better for some individuals than for others.
  • The best brush or interdental cleaner you can buy is the one you will use regularly and properly.
  • Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about your home care routine and technique—he or she can help you get the job done properly.
 
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
There is a wealth of information on dental care at your fingertips. Click through to our FAQs page or our Links page to learn more! 
 
Source: http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_01.pdf 
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