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Brushing Your Teeth ‚
- Brushing your teeth is one of the best ways to prevent and get rid of plaque in your mouth. Plaque is a film-like coating on your teeth. If it stays on your teeth, it will destroy the outside protective enamel layer of the tooth. Over time, this can lead to cavities.
- Toothbrushes come in many designs, colors, and styles. There is little evidence that one kind of toothbrush is better than some other one. The most important thing is to brush your teeth.
- Manual toothbrushes come in many sizes. You can choose the one that best fits your mouth. Look for one with soft or extra-soft bristles.
- Motorized toothbrushes work better for some people. They may be easier to use and may encourage you to brush.
- Brush your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes:
- In the morning
- Before you go to bed at night
- In the middle of the day or after eating sticky or sugary snacks
- How to brush your teeth properly:
- Put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste that has fluoride in it on your toothbrush
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move your toothbrush in small circles or back and forth in very short strokes. Each stroke or circle should be about the size of a tooth.
- Brush the outside of each tooth, the inside of each tooth, and the chewing surfaces.
- Brush your tongue to help get rid of germs. Some people prefer to use a tongue scraper to clean their tongue. Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper can help to lessen bad breath by getting rid of germs.
- In some cases, your dentist may prescribe you prescription strength toothpaste.
Flossing Your Teeth ‚
- Taking care of your mouth is more than just brushing your teeth. Flossing your teeth is also very important. It helps to get rid of plaque in the places where the toothbrush cant reach. It keeps your gums healthy. You should floss your teeth at least 1 time each day.
- There are many kinds of dental floss. Some are wax coated and others are not. There is flavored dental floss and floss that is more like a ribbon than a string. Some people prefer to use a floss holder, dental pick, or pre-threaded flosser. There are also small brushes or rubber tips for cleaning between your teeth. Talk to your dentist about the best one for you.
- How to floss your teeth properly:
- Use a piece of dental floss about 18 inches (45 cm) long.
- Wind most of it around your first or middle finger on one hand.
- Wind the other end around your first or middle finger on your other hand. You will continue to wind the used floss on this finger.
- Gently slide the floss between 2 teeth, using a back and forth motion.
- Hold the floss around the front and back of each tooth. Gently guide the floss down the tooth and into the space between the tooth and gum.
- Move the floss up and down to help remove the plaque from all sides of the tooth.
- Use a clean section of floss. Repeat on all the other teeth, including the very back sides of the teeth.
Using a Mouth Rinse ‚
- Many people will use a mouth rinse or mouthwash as part of their mouth care routine. It is not something to do in place of brushing and flossing your teeth.
- A mouth rinse is used for many reasons. Some mouth rinses can help to:
- Make your breath fresher
- Give you extra fluoride
- Lower the amount of plaque and germs in your mouth
- Prevent tooth decay and problems with your gums
- Give you more moisture in your mouth
- Some mouth rinses will only give you fresh breath and help to get rid of food left on your teeth. Others will also lower the amount of germs in your mouth. Talk to your dentist about if you need to use a mouth rinse and about the best one for you.
- In some cases, your dentist may prescribe you prescription strength mouth rinse. If so, be sure to follow the directions on how to use it the right way.
- How to use a mouth rinse properly:
- First brush and floss your teeth.
- Measure the correct amount of rinse and swish it in your mouth. Have your teeth slightly apart and lips closed. Swish the mouth rinse back and forth for at least 30 seconds.
- Spit out all of the mouth rinse. Do not swallow it.
- Do not rinse your mouth, eat, or smoke for 30 minutes after using a mouth rinse. These things can lower the protective effect of the mouth rinse.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Teeth or gums are sore
- Too much bleeding from gums or the bleeding continues when brushing your teeth for more than a week.
- Burning sensation in mouth, cheeks, teeth, or gums
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my mouth and teeth.
- I can tell you what I will do if my teeth and gums are sore.
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=291&aid=1133 ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=F&iid=302&aid=1244 ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=M&iid=781&aid=3804 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthwash ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/tongue-scrapers ‚
American Dental Hygiene Association ‚
http://www.adha.org/sites/default/files/7221_Proper_Brushing_1.pdf ‚
http://www.adha.org/sites/default/files/7222_Proper_Flossing_1.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚