Brush 'Em Floss 'Em Brush 'Em

For good oral hygiene, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends to:
· Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
· Clean between teeth daily with floss.
· Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
· Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

Brushing
To ensure healthy teeth and gums, replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if bristles become frayed. For children, replace the brushes even soon, after one or two months. A soft-bristled brush is best and the size and shape of the brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay. When selecting any oral care product, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

How to brush
Following these simple guidelines will ensure a thorough brushing:
· Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
· Move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes.
· Brush the outer tooth surfaces, inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces.
· Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
· Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Flossing
The ADA recommends cleaning between the teeth with floss or interdental cleaners once each day to remove plaque for all tooth surfaces. Plaque is responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease. By flossing daily, the prevalence of plaque is dramatically decreased. Mouth wash can also be beneficial, but should not be looked at as an alternative to flossing.

How to floss
· Use 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger on opposite hand. Hold the floss tightly.
· Guide floss between teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
· When 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 tooth.

Dental Visits
The ADA suggests that everyone see a dentist at least twice a year.