Oral Hygiene

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush in a circular motion over each tooth.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the tip 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.
• Brush at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes at a time.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• 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.
• Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of 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.

A mouth rinse, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, can increase the cleanliness of your mouth. Talk to us about which mouth rinse is right for you. Not everyone should use a fluoride rinse.

• Antimicrobial mouth rinses reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum disease.
• Fluoride mouth rinses also help reduce and prevent tooth decay.
• Fluoride rinses are not recommended for children ages 6 or younger because they may swallow them.