Brushing & Flossing

Brushing

Use a toothbrush with extra soft bristles and a small strip of ADA approved fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all the areas of the teeth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush all tooth surfaces including the inside, outside, chewing surface, front and back. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse.

Brush your teeth three times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles and plaque:

• In the morning after breakfast
• After lunch or right after school
• At bedtime

As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace your toothbrush with a new one, usually after 3–4 weeks. It is important to carefully floss and brush daily for optimal oral hygiene.

Flossing

For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, dental floss is used to remove food particles and plaque. Dental floss is a thin thread of unwaxed nylon that is used to reach between teeth and below the gum line. It is very important to floss once every day.

Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your middle fingers. Guide the floss between all teeth to the gum line, pulling out any food particles and plaque. Unwrap clean floss from around your fingers as you go, so that you have used the floss from beginning to end when you finish. Be sure to floss behind all of your back teeth; it is the only way to get that area clean.

Floss at night to make sure your teeth are squeaky clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not stop after the first few times, let a staff member know at your next appointment.