FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums
How should I brush my teeth?
Brush at least twice a day. If you can, brush after every meal. Ideally wait 30 minutes after eating, this will allow any enamel that softened from acid during eating to re-harden and not get brushed away.
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Place a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste on the head of the toothbrush. (Use a soft toothbrush.) -
Place the toothbrush against the teeth at a 45-degree angle up to the gum line. -
Move the brush across the teeth using a small circular motion. Continue with this motion cleaning one tooth at a time. Keep the tips of the bristles against the gum line. Avoid pressing so hard that the bristles lie flat against the teeth. (Only the tips of the toothbrush clean the teeth.) Let the bristles reach into spaces between teeth. -
Brush across the top of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Make sure the bristles get into the grooves and crevices. -
Use the same small circular motion to clean the backside of the upper and lower teeth -- the side that faces the tongue. -
To clean the inside of the bottom front teeth, angle the head in an up-and-down position toward the bottom inside of the mouth and move the toothbrush in a small circle. -
For the inside of the top front teeth, angle the brush in an up-and-down position with the tip of the head pointing towards the roof of the mouth. Move the toothbrush in a small circle. -
Give your tongue a few gentle brush strokes, brushing from the back of your tongue forward. Do not scrub. This helps remove bacteria and freshens your breath. -
After brushing your teeth for two to three minutes, rinse your mouth with water. -
Replace your toothbrush with a new one every three to four months.
How should I floss my teeth?
Floss teeth at least once a day. Flossing gets rid of food and plaque between the teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. If plaque stays between teeth, it can harden into tartar, which must be removed by a dentist or hygienist.
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Remove about an 18-inch strip of floss from the dispenser. -
Wind the floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving a 1-inch section open for flossing. Floss the top teeth first, then the bottom. -
Place the floss in your mouth and use your index fingers to push the floss between the teeth. Be careful not to push too hard and injure the gums. -
Move the floss up and down against the tooth and up and around the gum line. The floss should form a C-shape around the tooth as you floss. -
Floss between each tooth as well as behind the back teeth. -
Use a clean section of floss as needed and take up used floss by winding it around the fingers.
How often and how long should I rinse my mouth?
Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill bacteria that cause plaque and early gum disease. A fluoride rinse can help prevent teeth decay and cavities. Some rinses can do both. The ADA does not recommend fluoride mouth rinses for children ages 6 or younger, because they may swallow the rinse.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Choosing a Toothbrush
What are some tips for choosing a toothbrush?
Should I use a disposable or electric toothbrush?
As long as you clean your teeth regularly using proper brushing technique, you should be able to reduce plaque build-up and keep your gums healthy with either a manual or powered toothbrush. Here are some things to keep in mind as you go about choosing the best toothbrush:
What is the best toothbrush for my children?
When it comes to choosing the best toothbrush for your child, it's important to opt for one that she will use properly and regularly. There are a variety of disposable and electric options available for kids and they come in a variety of colors and often feature children's favorite characters. Some varieties even play music to help your child know how long to brush.
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Make sure the toothbrush you select has an ADA Seal of Approval. -
Pick a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles. -
If your children are old enough, have them help you pick out their toothbrushes. Getting your children involved in the process and excited about a new toothbrush may make tooth-brushing a more enjoyable task.
Choosing A Toothpaste
What toothpaste should I use?
Here are some tips to help you choose the best toothpaste to meet your family's dental needs:
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Opt for ADA approval. Whatever your toothpaste needs, be sure to choose toothpaste that has earned an American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Toothpastes that have earned this distinction have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent review board of scientific experts. All toothpastes earning the ADA seal contain fluoride -- the most important ingredient in any toothpaste. -
Be wary of imposters. In 2007, some toothpastes imported from China were found to contain a toxic substance, diethylene glycol. The FDA advises against choosing toothpaste that says it was made in China. -
Consider your needs and the needs of your family members. As long as you select a fluoride-containing toothpaste, the best toothpaste is a matter of personal choice and preference. If you're committed to an all-natural lifestyle, you may want to opt for ADA-approved toothpastes that contain only natural ingredients. For people trying to instill good oral hygiene habits in your children, why not choose fruit-flavored toothpastes with sparkles to entice them to brush their teeth? Some people are eager to restore whiteness to their teeth with whitening toothpastes. Others like the feeling of brushing their teeth with toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. With so many options and combinations available, you can try different brands, varieties, and flavors to find the best toothpaste for you.