Preventing Tooth Decay
Many of the foods you eat, such as sugared foods and starches,
can cause plaque to form on your teeth, which can lead to gum disease
and tooth decay. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to follow
these simple steps:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush.
- Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or
sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a
good job of cleaning your teeth.
- Use a toothpaste that contains flouride, which helps protect your
teeth from decay.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or an interdental
cleaner to remove plaque from between your teeth, areas where your
toothbrush can’t reach.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral
exams.
How To Brush Your Teeth
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the
chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces
of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
How To Floss Your Teeth
Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one
of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger
of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes
dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
Never snap the floss into the gums.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against
one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the
tooth.
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the
tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.
This information courtesy of the American Dental Association.
For additional tips, visit www.ada.org. |
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