Teeth CareDentists say that the most important part of tooth care happens at home. Brushin

Teeth Care

Dentists say that the most important part of tooth care happens at home. Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Giving Plaque the Brush-Off

To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Brushing also act as stimulus to the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease.

Toothpastes contain minimal abrasives(磨料), detergents, and foaming agents. Fluoride, the most common active ingredient in toothpaste, is what prevents cavities. So you should always be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.

About one person in 10 has a tendency to accumulate tartar quickly. Tartar is plaque(硬块) in a hardened form. that is more damaging and difficult to remove. Using antitartar toothpastes and mouthwashes, as well as spending extra time brushing the teeth near the salivary glands(the inside of the lower front teeth and the outside of the upper back teeth),may slow the development of new tartar.

If you have teeth that are sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure, you may want to try a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. But you'll still need to talk to your dentist promptly about your sensitivity because it may be indicative of a more serious problem, such as a cavity or nerve irritation.

Tips on Proper Brushing

Dentists say that the minimum time you should spend brushing your teeth is 2 minutes twice a day. Here are some tips on how to brush properly:

-Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth.

-Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your teeth.

-Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth & use a gentle back & forth scrubbing motion. Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria.

-To clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth and gums, tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up & down strokes using the front half of the brush.

-Remember don't share your toothbrush with others. The exchange of body fluids that such sharing would foster places toothbrush sharers at an increased risk for infections, a particularly important consideration for persons with compromised immune systems or infectious diseases.

-Use an egg timer or play a favorite song while brushing your teeth to get used to brushing for a full 2 to 3 minutes. Some electronic toothbrushes have timers that let you know when 2 minutes are up.

Facts on Flossing

Brushing is important but it won't remove the plaque and particles of food between your teeth, under the gumline, or under braces. Sometimes, the bacteria break down the food particles and create volatile sulfur compounds. For this reason you'll need to floss these spaces at least once a day.

With any floss, you should be careful to avoid injuring your gums. Follow these instructions:

-Carefully insert the floss between two teeth, using a back and forth motion.

-Gently bring the floss to the gumline, but don't force it under the gums. Curve the floss around the edge of your tooth in the shape of the letter "C" and slide it up and down the side of each tooth.

-Repeat this process between all your teeth, and remember to floss the back sides of your back teeth.

Tooth-Whitening Products

Some toothpastes claim to whiten teeth. There's n

A．Y

B．N

C．NG