How to Brush

  • 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.

Cleaning your teeth effectively means getting to know your mouth’s tricky spots, where food and bacterial plaque get trapped. Common problem areas are discussed, including crowded/overlapped teeth; the gingival sulcus (gumline); interproximal areas (between teeth); deep pits and fissures (especially upper back teeth); and around dental restorations. Non-dental reasons for maintaining a healthy mouth are given, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and peripheral vascular health. Caries and periodontal disease are also discussed.”

If you have fixed bridgework, braces or other dental work which connects adjacent teeth, cleaning under and around it with an interdental brush can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While their use may seem intuitive, many people are unaware that plaque accumulates under bridge connectors, around orthodontic brackets, etc. This animation describes use of an interdental brush to avoid recurrent caries around fixed bridge retainer margins, and the resulting failure of expensive dental work.

We would be glad to show you how to Brush and Floss.  We want to prevent disease before it starts.  Call today to schedule your dental checkup, consultation, or second-opinion visit. We want to give you a reason to smile!

Elma Family Dental