Keep Your Teeth Clean Oral Hygiene Myths & Fact Affects of Improper Proper Way to Brush Facts: Acidic foods cause tooth decay: Foods such as lemons break down your enamel making you more prone to cavities. Adults can get cavities: You cannot outgrow tooth decay, the only way to avoid it is good oral hygiene practices. Clenching and grinding may lead to cavities: Putting more pressure on your teeth than normal chewing can lead to cracks and fractures. If weaker dentin is exposed, tooth decay can form at a faster rate. Myths: White teeth are healthy teeth: White teeth doesn’t always mean they are clean. Whitening products do not clean teeth. People should floss once a week: The American Dental Association recommends flossing every day. Tooth Sensitivity: If hot or cold foods hurt your teeth, visit your dentist for treatment suggestions. Sensitivity may be caused by cavities, fractured teeth, gum disease, an exposed tooth root, worn fillings, or worn enamel. Tooth Decay (cavities): The bacteria in plaque produce acids that harm enamel, the acids can cause a hole in the enamel. This hole is called a cavity. Gingivitis: If plaque and tarter are left on teeth for a long time it can cause red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is the only stage that is reversible. Periodontal Disease: Plaque builds up and turns into tarter along and under the gum line, which can cause infections. Teeth may be lost, or may have to be extracted in severe cases. Bristles should contact tooth and gum line Tilt brush at a 45° angle Brush behind your teeth Brush biting surface of teeth Proper Way to Floss Hold floss tightly between thumbs and forefinger Wind 18” of floss around middle fingers Guide floss tightly against tooth Curve floss in C shape between gum and tooth