How Can I Clean My Teeth?
Regular cleaning of teeth was not a widespread practice in the United States until the early 20th century, and as a result, adults would often end up with painful, rotten teeth. Luckily, the advent of minty toothpastes made regular brushing a more pleasant experience and brought with it an increased awareness of the importance of oral hygiene. Keeping your teeth clean from food particles and bacteria will greatly reduce your chances of developing gum disease, cavities and the tooth pain that comes with them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, ideally after breakfast in the morning and before going to bed at night. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line and move the brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes. Make sure to clean the front, back and chewing surface of all of your teeth. The entire brushing process should take two minutes.
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Use the toothbrush to clean your tongue, after you have finished brushing your teeth. Use short strokes to brush the surface of the tongue, which will work to remove bacteria that may cause bad breath.
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Floss once per day to remove any debris that may have gotten caught between your teeth. Take a length of floss measuring approximately 18 inches and wrap the majority of it around the middle finger on one hand. Hold the other end of the floss with your opposite hand and carefully floss between your teeth with a back and forth motion. At the gum line, guide the floss between the gum and your tooth. As the floss gets dirty, unwrap some from your middle finger and wrap the dirty floss around your opposite middle finger, so that you're using clean floss between each tooth.
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Visit your dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning of your teeth. The dentist will remove stubborn plaque, check for gum disease and cavities, and take X-rays to screen for any unseen dental problems. He will also be able to tell you if there are any problem areas in your mouth that aren't getting the attention they need when you brush -- and show you how to clean them properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles begin to appear worn. Always using a relatively new toothbrush will help ensure that you are getting your teeth as clean as possible every time you brush.
If you need to clean your teeth between brushing, try nibbling on cheddar cheese or some crunchy fruits and vegetables.
References
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