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Oral Hygiene Info

Brushing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process.  Brushing removes plaque from: 

  • the chewing surfaces
  • the check and tongue sides of teeth
  • at the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins.  

Most people tend to brush too hard so we strongly advise the use of a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.  Electric toothbrushes are recommended for people who tend to brush too hard.  It is also a good idea to change your brush about every three months.


For the back teeth, hold the brush at at 45 degree angle in relation to the gumline (Step 1).  Use short, circular strokes as you move the brush at the junction of the gums and teeth.  Also brush the chewing surfaces of these teeth by hold the brush parallel to the surface of the teeth and brush back and forth.


For the tongue side of the front teeth, hold the brush so that the bristles at the top of the brush contact the gums at a 45 degree angle (Step 2).  Again, use short, circular stokes to clean the teeth.  For the cheek side, hold the brush from the side at a 45 degree angle and use short, circular strokes (Step 3).


You can also brush the surface of your tongue to remove the bacteria and debris that reside on the surface.


Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins.


If you find using floss awkward or difficult, ask us about the variety of dental floss holders or interdental cleaning devices that are available.


Wind 18" of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a 1"- 2" length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.


Keep a 1" - 2" length of floss taut between fingers. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.


Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Do not snap floss between your teeth but contour floss around the side of the tooth.


Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.
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SMILES DENTAL CARE
100 W. EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 63A MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040 (650) 964-2626
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General, cosmetic, sedation, and implant dentistry for patients in Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, and Los Gatos