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Your teeth can last a lifetime if you practice basic dental care. Brush and floss each day and eat a healthy diet. See your dentist or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings. Good dental health habits are the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Brush your teeth 2 times a day, and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Follow these tips when you brush your teeth.
Disclosing tablets are chewable and will color any plaque left on the teeth after you brush. You can buy them at most drugstores.
Floss at least one time a day. Choose the type and flavor of floss that you like best. When you floss your teeth, use either of these methods.
The finger-wrap method, Opens dialog. Cut off a piece of floss 18 in. (46 cm) to 20 in. (51 cm) long. Wrap one end around your left middle finger and the other end around your right middle finger, until your hands are about 2 in. (5 cm) to 3 in. (8 cm) apart.
The circle method, Opens dialog. Use a piece of floss about 12 in. (30 cm) long. Tie the ends together to form a loop. If the loop is too large, wrap the floss around your fingers to make it smaller.
With either method, follow these steps for flossing.
Gently work the floss between the teeth toward the gums.
Curve the floss around each tooth into a U-shape and gently slide it under the gum line.
Move the floss firmly up and down several times to scrape off the plaque. Popping the floss in and out between the teeth without scraping won't remove much plaque. And it can hurt your gums.
A plastic flossing tool, Opens dialog makes flossing easier. Child-size flossing tools are available for parents to use to floss their children's teeth. You can buy them at most drugstores.
If your gums bleed when you floss, the bleeding should stop over time as your gums get healthier and tighter next to your teeth.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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