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Brushing and Flossing

At-Home Oral Hygiene

Good dental hygiene—brushing and flossing—keeps your teeth healthy and helps avoid costly dental treatments.

Brushing

Brushing

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Brush in small circles, covering all surfaces: outside, inside, chewing surfaces, tongue, and roof of mouth.
  • Brush four times a day:
    1. After breakfast
    2. After lunch or school
    3. After dinner
    4. At bedtime
  • Rinse thoroughly and do not swallow toothpaste.
  • Replace your toothbrush as soon as bristles wear out.
Flossing

Flossing

  • Floss removes food and plaque between teeth where brushes can’t reach.
  • Use a small length of floss, wrap around your fingers, and gently guide it between teeth to the gum line.
  • Use a clean section of floss for each tooth and don’t forget the back teeth.
  • Floss every night before bed.
  • Mild bleeding may occur at first—if it continues, tell us at your next visit.