You may brush your teeth every day, but your teeth may still be accumulating
harmful bacteria and plaque. It is important that you follow the following guidelines for brushing and
flossing effectively in an effort to keep your mouth as health as possible.
 When brushing your teeth, you should:
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Brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily.
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Brush for at least 2 minutes.
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Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
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Angle the bristles at 45 degrees, apply gentle pressure.
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Gently vibrate the brush, using small, circular, wiggling motions.
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Brush one or two teeth at a time. Move on to neighboring teeth, allowing
for some overlap. Brush both sides of each tooth and the biting
surfaces.
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End by brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth. This removes
bacteria and keeps your breath fresh.
Peridontal disease and many cavities develop between teeth, where the bristles
of your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing regularly is a major step in keeping your teeth clean and
healthy. When flossing your teeth, you should:
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Use a gentle side to side motion, guiding floss between teeth.
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Pull the floss into a C shape, wrapping it around the tooth and sliding it
beneath the gum line.
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Move the floss up and down to remove all food and bacteria.
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When you first begin flossing regularly, your gums may bleed. After a week
of so of regular flossing, they should not bleed. Let us know if they do.
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Also let us know if your teeth are too tight to floss. This may indicate
problems in your mouth that need to be fixed.
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You can watch the video below for a visual of good flossing technique:
Even the best dental health habits cannot replace the regular care of your
dental hygienist. An exam and hygiene treatment are necessary steps
you should take twice a year to maintain the health of your mouth. If you haven't had your teeth
cleaned in the last six months, please request an appointment
with our practice!
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