Why Brush and Floss?

Brushing and flossing every day will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Having clean teeth also makes you look and feel better. Your breath is fresher. Your smile is brighter. And your teeth feel smooth.

Many kinds of bacteria live in your mouth. These germs collect on your teeth and gums and quickly form a sticky film called plaque. Plaque is the major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Since plaque is always forming, it needs to be removed every day. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing breaks up plaque between your teeth and under your gums.

How to Brush

Brush after meals, using a soft brush and a fluoride toothpaste. Start at one place and work all the way around your mouth. Brush the front, back and top of each tooth.
 

Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle and gently brush the outer surfaces, using a circular or back-and-forth motion. Brush the inner surfaces of the back teeth using the same circular or back-and-forth motion. Turn the brush and use the tip to clean the inner surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth. Clean the chewing surfaces using a scrubbing motion. Brush your tongue, then rinse well.

How to Floss

Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between the teeth and below the gums. Start at one place and work all the way around your mouth. Floss between each tooth.

Wrap 18 inches of floss around your middle fingers. Secure it with your index fingers and thumbs. Ease the floss between your teeth. Press it against one side, then the other to form a C-shape. Work the floss back and forth and up and down going below the gum line where plaque collects.