The Basics
Brushing
Step 1 - Place bristles along the gum line at a 45 degree angle. Gently brush using a circular motion along the outer and inner tooth surfaces.
Step 2 - Brush each tooth individually. Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Using the front half of the brush, use the same circular motion.
Step 3 - Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth and use a gentle back-and-forth motion. Brush the tongue to remove odor-producing bacteria.
Flossing Facts
Facts: No one type of floss is really better. Use whatever you can get and prefer. The important part is to use it!
Periodontal disease commonly occurs between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. It is especially difficult to floss the back teeth, which are wider and harder to reach. Flossing is the most effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces, however, it is important to develop the proper technique.
Fluoride
Fluoride, a natural substance, plays an important role in healthy tooth development and cavity prevention.
Fluoride combats tooth decay in two ways:
It strengthens tooth enamel, a hard and shiny substance that protects the teeth, so that it can better resist the acid formed by plaque. Fluoride allows teeth damaged by acid to repair, or re-mineralize, themselves. While fluoride cannot repair cavities, it can reverse low levels of tooth decay and thus prevent new cavities from forming.