Daily Oral Health Care

The best way to prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay — and keep your teeth for a lifetime — is good oral health care: brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits that include a periodontal evaluation. Brushing and flossing remove the thin, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) that is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing Your Teeth

• 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, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
• Use the "toe" of the brush for the inside surfaces of front teeth, with a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.

Flossing Your Teeth

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one middle finger.
• Wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the other hand, to take up floss as it wears.
• Clean between the teeth once a day — it removes plaque from areas your toothbrush can't reach and is essential in preventing gum disease.