Why
You Should Floss Every Day:
Tooth
decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria that stick to your
teeth. Flossing your teeth helps to remove these bacteria before
they can cause cavities and gum disease. However, if you wait longer
than 24 hours to floss again, bacteria will re-attach to your teeth; thus,
daily flossing is a must. To floss correctly, guide the floss around the
edges of your teeth and between your teeth and gums.
The
Frequency Of Having Your
Teeth Cleaned:
If
you have healthy teeth and gums, you should have them cleaned every six
months. If you have gum problems, have your teeth cleaned every
three to four months.
Selecting
A Proper Toothbrush:
A
toothbrush should have soft, rounded bristles; medium, firm and hard
bristles damage your gums. The head should be the correct size for
your mouth, and the handle should feel comfortable in your hand.
While some manufacturers would have you believe that power toothbrushes
can perform tooth-cleaning miracles, research by Consumer Reports
magazine showed that nothing at home cleans better than a plain, manual
toothbrush and dental floss. Be sure to replace your toothbrush
every three months.
About
Tartar-Control Toothpastes:
These
toothpastes can slow the formation of tartar, a hard, decay-producing film
that forms on your teeth. However, some users report that these
toothpastes cause a burning sensation and/or make their teeth feel more
sensitive. If this is also your experience, change brands or stop
using this kind of toothpaste. As with other toothpastes, don't use
too much. A small dab is all you actually require.