Oral Hygiene Instructions

Brush Up on How to Brush Your Teeth

You brush your teeth every day, but are you doing it properly? Here's how to brush:

• Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and brush with short back-and-forth motions.

• Remember to brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue.

• Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Or use an electric toothbrush.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day: in the morning and before you go to bed.

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How Should I Floss?

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The spool method: Take an 18-inch piece of floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle finger (don’t cut off your finger’s circulation!). Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes unusable. Maneuver the floss between teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Bring the floss up and down several times forming a “C” shape around the tooth being sure to go below the gum line.

The loop method: This method is suited for children or adults with less nimble hands, poor muscular coordination, or arthritis. Take an 18-inch piece of floss and make it into a circle. Tie it securely with three knots. Place all of the fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gum line forming a “C” on the side of the tooth.

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Do I Need a Water Pick?

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Water picks should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing. They are effective; however, around orthodontic braces that retain food in areas a toothbrush cannot reach.