1. 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