Brush your teeth twice daily; this keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean, fresh and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It’s common to see friends and coworkers brush and floss all day long at work and at home. Don’t be shy. It’s very acceptable and attractive to have a healthy mouth, fresh breath, and pearly white teeth. Being proud of your teeth and mouth is absolutely the style! We can help.

Use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride when brushing your teeth. Spend a minute on your top teeth and a minute on your bottom teeth. Remember to brush your tongue, it will help keep your breath smelling fresh! If you’re worried about not being able to track how long you’ve brushed your teeth, grab a kitchen timer or use your phone’s timer. Two minutes may seem like a long time, but the payback is huge.

Clean between your teeth by flossing daily. Decay-causing bacteria lingers between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Rinsing with mouthwash will also help kill bacteria, plaque, and food particles from those hard to reach places.

Technical Quick Tip – Children often brush too quickly, often only taking a few seconds to freshen their breath. Try a timer, they’ll be surprised how fast they’ve been going and much they missed.

BRUSHING:

Holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle, gently brush your teeth in short circular motions. Make sure to brush all areas of your teeth, including the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. To clean the inside surface of your teeth, tilt your toothbrush vertically and brush the front and back of your teeth using up and down strokes. Bleeding says you’re brushing too hard or you may need to see us. Crystal River Family Dentistry knows how to help.

FLOSSING:

Take about 18 – 24 inches of dental floss and wrap the ends around your index and middle fingers. Holding the floss tightly, position the floss in a C-shape and move it back and forth between your teeth using a push-pull motion. A great alternative is “floss picks.” It’s “in” to see people passing them out, unused of course, after meals.

Call 352-794-6139 to schedule an appointment!