Brushing Tips: |
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Use a soft bristled brush, preferably one with rounded, synthetic
bristles.
Replace your toothbrush approximately every two to three months or as soon
as the bristles are worn or bent. A worn-out toothbrush does not clean your teeth
properly, and may actually injure your gums. You should also replace your toothbrush after
you've had a cold.
Be sure your brush is the right size (in general, smaller is better than
larger).
Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the gum line, and slide the
tips of the brush under the gums.
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Gently jiggle the bristles or move it in small circles over the tooth and
gums.
Brush the outside, the inside, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. For
chewing surfaces, use a light back and forth motion.
For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower
jaws: Tilt your brush vertically and make several strokes up and down with the front part
of the brush over the teeth and gum tissues.
Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath. Debris and bacteria
can collect on your tongue and cause bad breath.
Since your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time, change
its position to clean each tooth properly.
Brush at least once every day, preferably at bedtime. Adding a brush time
after breakfast increases your chances of thorough daily plaque removal.
Take your time: A thorough brushing should take at least 3 minutes.
Don't brush your teeth too vigorously, and don't use a hard bristled
toothbrush, since it causes the gums to recede and exposes root surfaces. It also wears
down the tooth structure. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.
A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste is sufficient.
Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread, as a worn out
toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
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