How much should I brush? It's important to brush at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush. The flexible bristles of a soft toothbrush are gentler on the gums, and make it much easier to remove the plaque below the gumline, where periodontal disease starts. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride hardens the outer enamel layer of the teeth. It might stop a cavity in its tracks and give you more resistance to future cavities. Move the brush over the entire surface of two or three teeth at a time in small, circular motions. Allow some overlap as you move to the next teeth. Tilt the brush and use the tip to brush the backs of the front teeth. What about Flossing? To keep your gums and teeth healthy, you must remove the plaque between your teeth at least once a day. Dr. Billings recommends dental floss. Here's how to use it: Wind about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving about five inches between your hands. Pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers and leave about one inch in between to work with. Gently guide the floss down between the teeth using a side to side motion. If your teeth are too tight to floss, or if it catches or tears, let us know about it. These are problems that need to be fixed. Pull the floss tightly in a C shape around the side of the tooth and slide it under the gumline. Clean the side of the tooth by using an up-and-down motion, not side-to-side. When all the plaque has been removed the floss will squeak as it rubs against your tooth. Then pull the floss around the next tooth and repeat the process. Wind the floss to a fresh section and gradually work your way around your mouth, cleaning both sides of every tooth. If you have problems reaching some areas you may want to use a floss fork. Courtesy www.dentistryonline.com				What is Superfloss? Superfloss and floss threaders are good ways to remove plaque under bridges and braces. It has a stiff end that helps to thread it through tight areas. It also has a fuzzy tufted segment that can remove plaque as you floss. Just insert the superfloss and floss each area as you would normally. DENTAL HYGENE EDUCATION MATERIALS for teachers >
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