Tip: Change your toothbrush or brush head every 3-4 months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
Importance: Ensures effective cleaning and prevents bacterial buildup.
7. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Tip: Schedule dental check-ups at least twice a year.
Importance: Early detection of dental issues, professional cleaning, and preventive care reduce the risk of serious dental problems.
8. Avoid Tobacco & other harmful substances
Tip: Quit smoking and other harmful substances
Importance: Lowers the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
How to Brush properly
Tips
Brushing your teeth correctly is essential for removing plaque, preventing cavities, and maintaining healthy gums. Follow these steps for an effective brushing routine:
1. Choose the Right Tools
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums and enamel.
Opt for fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
2. Position Your Toothbrush Correctly
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
This angle helps clean both the teeth and the gum line effectively.
3. Use Gentle, Circular Motions
Brush using small, gentle circular motions, rather than scrubbing back and forth.
This technique helps remove plaque without damaging the enamel or gums.
4. Brush All Surfaces
Outer Surfaces: Clean the front of your teeth by brushing in circular motions.
Inner Surfaces: Tilt the brush vertically and use up-and-down strokes for the inside of front teeth.
Chewing Surfaces: Use a back-and-forth motion to clean the tops of molars.
5. Brush for At Least 2 Minutes
Spend 30 seconds on each quadrant (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left).
A timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer can help ensure proper brushing duration.
6. Don’t Forget Your Tongue & Gums
Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and prevent bad breath.
Lightly brush along the gum line to remove plaque buildup.
7. Rinse and Store Your Toothbrush Properly
Rinse your mouth with water or fluoride mouthwash.
Clean your toothbrush under running water and store it upright to air dry.
8. Brush Twice a Day
Brush in the morning to remove overnight bacteria buildup.
Brush before bed to remove food particles and prevent overnight plaque formation.
Practicing proper brushing techniques helps maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums, preventing dental problems in the long run!
How and When to Floss ?
Tips
Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Follow these steps for effective flossing:
1. Choose the Right Floss
Waxed floss slides more easily between teeth.
Unwaxed floss is thinner and may remove more plaque but can shred.
Dental tape is wider and good for people with more space between their teeth.
Floss picks or water flossers are good alternatives for those who struggle with traditional floss.
2. Cut the Right Length
Use about 18 inches of floss (about an arm’s length).
Wrap most of it around the middle fingers of both hands, leaving 1-2 inches in between.
3. Hold and Position the Floss
Use your thumbs and index fingers to guide the floss.
Keep it taut but not too tight to avoid snapping against your gums.
4. Slide Between Teeth Gently
Insert the floss gently between teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
Avoid snapping it down, as this can injure the gums.
5. Form a “C” Shape
Curve the floss into a C-shape around one tooth.
Gently slide it up and down against the tooth surface and slightly under the gumline.
6. Repeat on Each Tooth
Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Move to the next tooth and repeat the process, ensuring both sides of each tooth are cleaned.
7. Don’t Forget the Back Teeth
Floss behind the last molars, as plaque can build up there.
8. Rinse and Dispose of the Floss
Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove loosened debris.
Throw away used floss—never reuse it as it can spread bacteria.
Floss Once a Day
Best done before bedtime to remove food particles and plaque from the day.
Regular flossing helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, ensuring a healthier smile!
How and When to use Inter Dental Brush ?
Tips
Interdental brushes are small brushes designed to clean between teeth and around braces, bridges, or implants where a regular toothbrush can't reach. They help remove plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
1. Choose the Right Size
Interdental brushes come in different sizes (0.4mm–1.5mm).
The brush should fit snugly but comfortably between your teeth without forcing it.
You may need different sizes for different gaps.
2. Hold the Brush Correctly
Hold the brush like a pen for better control.
Use a slight angle for easier access to back teeth.
3. Insert Gently Between Teeth
Do not force the brush; gently slide it between your teeth.
If it feels too tight, use a smaller size.
4. Move the Brush Back and Forth
Move it in and out a few times without twisting.
Avoid excessive pressure to prevent gum irritation.
5. Rinse and Repeat
Rinse the brush with water after each use.
Use a fresh brush when the bristles become worn.
6. Use Daily for Best Results
Ideally, use it once a day, preferably before bedtime.
7. Rinse Your Mouth
Rinse with water or mouthwash after cleaning to remove any dislodged plaque.
8. Store Properly
Let the brush air dry after use.
Replace it every 1-2 weeks or when the bristles wear out.
Using interdental brushes regularly helps maintain healthy gums, reduces plaque buildup, and prevents bad breath.