When it comes to brushing your teeth, there is always
room for improvement. Don't brush for the sake of
brushing - make sure you're doing it right!
Choose the Toothbrush that's Right for You
You can easily be overwhelmed by the hundreds of manual and
powered toothbrushes that are available. The American Dental
Association (ADA) recommends you brush your teeth twice a
day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your
toothbrush should fit your mouth so you can reach all areas
easily. Choose a toothbrush that carries the American Dental
Association Seal of Acceptance - an important
symbol of any dental product's safety and effectiveness.
Brush Properly
Brushing your teeth everyday is critical to maintain good
oral hygiene and remove plaque. You should brush your teeth
at least twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
Brush your teeth gently to avoid irritating your gums. Be sure
to clean all the surfaces of your teeth, and when brushing
along the gum line, place your brush at a slight angle toward
the gums.
Floss Daily
Cleaning between your teeth once a day, with floss
or inter-dental cleaners removes plaque from between
the teeth. Your toothbrush can't clean these areas.
Flossing daily also prevents periodontal (gum) disease.
Replace Your Toothbrush Often
You should replace your toothbrush (including toothbrush heads
for powered toothbrushes) every three to four months or
sooner if the bristles become frayed. Children's toothbrushes
usually need replacing more frequently because they can wear
out sooner. It is also a good idea to change your toothbrush
if you have been sick to avoid the risk of re-infection.
Caring for Your Toothbrush
Follow these simple guidelines to take care of your
toothbrush until you replace it:
- Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water after brushing
to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris.
- Store your brush in an upright position and allow the
toothbrush to air-dry between brushings.
- Don't routinely cover toothbrushes or store
them in closed containers.
- If more than one brush is stored in the same
holder or area, keep the brushes separated to prevent
cross-contamination.
- Don't share toothbrushes! Sharing a toothbrush
can result in an exchange of body fluids and/or
microorganisms and increases the risk for infection,
especially for persons with compromised immune systems
or infectious diseases.
If you need additional information about brushing your teeth,
you can discuss it with your dentist. Other oral health care
tips are available to you at www.ada.org.
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