TOOTH TIPS

Brushing:

  • Always move your toothbrush in a short, gentle, circular motion.
  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle when brushing. Try to get the bristle tips directly under the gum line.
  • Pay attention to detail. Always try to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
  • Brush your tongue. This removes bacteria and freshens your breath.

Flossing:

  • Use around 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around the middle finger on both hands.
  • Use a gentle, sawing motion when sliding the floss between your teeth.
  • Move the floss in an up and down motion while holding it against the tooth.
  • Always remember to floss the backside of your tooth.

Test Your Whitening I.Q.

  • Whitening can lead to loss of healthy teeth. False. Not one healthy tooth has ever been lost.
  • Whitening requires a month or more. False. Excellent results can be obtained in two weeks or less. And, in-office assisted techniques can lighten the shade of your teeth in a single visit.
  • Whitening can be done with over-the-counter products. True. However, compared to what’s available from your dentist, over-the-counter whitening products are not as effective.
  • Whitening is permanent. False. Restaining can occur. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea and soda, eating berry pie, and not brushing or flossing regularly all contribute to tooth staining.
  • Whitening can contribute to tooth decay. False. There is no evidence that whitening leads to the loss of tooth integrity.