Good Oral Hygiene

·        A diet with nutritional well balanced meals that is good for your general health is also good for your teeth and gums.

·        All foods that contain sugar can contribute to tooth decay.

·        The amount of time foods containing sugar stay in the mouth is more damaging than the amount of sugar consumed at one specific time. For example it is better to eat 5 pieces of candy in 15 minutes than to suck on them for 2 minutes.

·        If you chew gum, suck on breath mints, or drink soda, at least select sugarless brands.

·        If you like to snack between meals, try more nutritional snacks such as popcorn, nuts, cheese, raw vegetables, etc.

·        This is the sequence by which sugar causes tooth decay:

                                     PLAQUE + SUGAR = ACID                                     ACID  + TOOTH ENAMEL = TOOTH DECAY

  Tooth Brushing

Brush teeth at least 2 times a day to remove plaque.

Plaque is the tiny filmy white coating that accumulates daily on the teeth and causes decay.

Use a soft toothbrush

1-     Place brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums.

2-     Brush gently in a circular motion.

3-     Brush outer, inner and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

4-     Use the tip of the brush for the inner surface of the front teeth.

Flossing

Flossing removes the plaque that is between the teeth where the tooth brush cannot reach.

Flossing is suggested at least once daily.

Do not snap floss between teeth.

1-     Wind about 20 inches of floss around fingers. Most of it should be wrapped around the index finger and as the floss is used the other finger takes it up.

2-     Use the thumb and forefingers to guide about 1 inch of the floss between the teeth.

3-     Holding the floss tightly, gently move your hands in a saw like movement between the teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-Shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath the gum.

4-     Slide the floss up and down and repeat for each tooth.