Brush Up on Brushing and Flossing
Regular brushing and flossing helps prevent cavities, gum problems, tooth loss, and bad breath.1 Here’s how to brush and floss your mouth into shape:
Brush your teeth twice a day, with special attention to the gum line. Use a soft-bristled brush, and place it at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Brush your tongue, too, to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.1
Floss your teeth at least once a day.1 Flossing is the single best way to remove plaque from areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.2 And don’t miss the back of your last tooth on each side of your mouth.1
1 “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed 2010.
2 “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed 2010.
Online Editor:
Sims, Jane
Date Last Reviewed:
1/4/2011
Date Last Modified:
1/4/2011