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Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums (Oral Hygiene)
What is plaque?
Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your
mouth to produce acids. Sugared foods, such as candy
and cookies, are not the only culprits. Starches, such
as bread, crackers, and cereal, also cause acids to
form. If you snack often, you could be having acid attacks
all day long. After many acid attacks, your teeth may
decay.
Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums,
making them red, tender or bleed easily. After a while,
gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form and
fill with more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not
treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed.
The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. In
fact, gum disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults.
One way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is by
eating a balanced diet and limiting the number of between-meal
snacks. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods
such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece
of fruit.
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What is daily oral health care?
The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing
and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing
removes plaque from the tooth surfaces.
Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled
brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your
mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use a
toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect
your teeth from decay. When choosing any dental product,
look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance,
an important symbol of a dental product's safety and
effectiveness.
Cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or
interdental cleaners removes plaque from between the
teeth, areas where the toothbrush can't reach. It is
essential in preventing gum disease.
By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet
and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy
teeth and an attractive smile your entire life. Follow
these tips to keep your teeth and mouth clean:
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How do I brush my teeth?
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against
the gums.
- Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide)
strokes.
- Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth
surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the
inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle
up-and-down stroke.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen
your breath.
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How do I floss my teeth?
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most
of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the
remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite
hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes
dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs
and forefingers.
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle
rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into
a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into
the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently
rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from
the gum with up and down motions.
- Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
- Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.
People who have difficulty handling dental floss may
prefer to use another kind of interdental cleaner. These
aids include special brushes, picks or sticks. If you
use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist about how
to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums.
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