Proper Brushing

Proper brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums effectively. Use a toothbrush with soft, nylon, round-ended bristles that will not scratch and irritate teeth or damage gums.

Ø Place bristles along the gumline at a 45-degree angle. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gumline.
	Ø Gently brush the outer tooth surfaces of 2-3 teeth using a vibrating back & forth rolling motion. Move brush to the next group of 2-3 teeth and repeat.
Ø Maintain a 45-degree angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gumline. Gently brush using back, forth, and rolling motion along all of the inner tooth surfaces.
	Ø Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up & down strokes using the front half of the brush.
Ø Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth & use a gentle back & forth scrubbing motion. Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria.

Ex.23. Read the following and speak on your own oral hygiene habits:

5 Steps to a Healthy Smile

	Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late	Visit your dentist regularly for preventative checkups and cleanings. Your dentist is trained to see the hidden problems you can't.
	Floss is the Boss	Floss your teeth once everyday. Dental floss reaches many areas that your toothbrush can't.
	Eat and Drink But Be Sure to Think	It's important to eat a well-balanced diet and avoid excessive snacking between meals - especially sticky, sweet things like candy.
	Be Good to Those Gums	Keep an eye on your gums for signs of gum disease. Puffy, red or tender gums, gums that bleed or persistent bad breath are signs that you need to see your dentist right away.
	It Takes a While To Brush Your Smile	Brush your teeth carefully at least once a day. Remember, a thorough job takes 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.