How to Brush
Dr. Cassell recommends using a soft or medium tooth brush for cleaning. The brush should be positioned at a 45 degree angle and gently moved in a circular motion with small strokes. Brush the outer surfaces of your teeth with light pressure while putting the bristles in the spaces between teeth. To clean the inner surfaces, make sure the brush is held vertically. Make gentle strokes over each tooth and brush the surrounding gum tissue. The biting surfaces should also be cleaned using short, gentle strokes.
How to Floss
Flossing is effective for removing plaque from surfaces where toothbrushes cannot reach. Use a piece of floss that is about 18 long. Wrap it around the middle finger of each hand. Clean the upper teeth by gently inserting the floss using a back-and-forth motion. Avoid forcing the floss or snapping it into place. Move the floss up and down on each side of a tooth. When cleaning the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of each hand. After flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove remaining plaque and food particles.
While regular brushing and flossing can minimize dental plaque and calculus, a professional cleaning can help remove bacteria or plaque in areas that brushes or flosses miss. Schedule cleanings regularly to ensure healthy teeth for a lifetime.