Oral Hygiene

Once adults get to the age of over thirty five, statistically they lose more teeth to gum disease than they ever do to wear and cavities. The best way to protect your teeth and mouth from gum disease is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Three out of four adults suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives.

Periodontal disease and tooth decay is caused by bacterial plaque which is a colorless substance that adheres itself to the teeth. Plaque production is normal and the only way to ensure its safe removal is brushing a flossing daily along with regular professional care.

How to Brush your Teeth

The brush should be positioned at a forty five degree angle at the point where your teeth and gums meet. Small gentle circular movements are more effective than a hard pressure. Some light pressure should be exerted between the teeth cavities but never sufficient pressure to feel discomfort.  Be sure to get every side of every tooth and brush for at least 2 minutes.

How To Floss

Waxed floss is easier to manage because it slides between your teeth more easily. Use a piece about eighteen inches long and wrap each end very loosely around the middle finger of each hand.

When flossing the upper teeth hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand, insert the floss between the gaps of two front teeth and pull it gently back and forth. Work the floss gently all the way down to the line where the tooth meets the gum and then curve the floss into the shape of a letter C against one tooth. Then gently curve it towards the other tooth, in the gap between the teeth there are two spaces to be cleaned the inside face of each tooth.

Although you should never floss until your gums bleed, it is normal if you are a beginner to flossing that the gums may be a little tender or bleed. This will go away naturally after about a week as the gums toughen, if bleeding persists after that you are being too rough.