Saving Your Smile I am a dental hygiene major and that is why I am so interested in teeth I want to tell you how to take care of your mouth and how to prevent yourself from getting many different diseases of the mouth.

Flossing Important Facts Process You floss before you brush. Most cavities begin between the teeth The bristles of a toothbrush do not reach between the teeth. You must remove plaque between the teeth once a day to keep the gums and teeth healthy. Process Wind approx 18 in around the middle fingers until 5 inched is left to work with. Pinch floss between thumb and index finger and leave about an inch. Gently glide floss between the teeth. Clean the surface of the tooth by using an up and down motion on both sides of the gum until it is clean. The type of floss that you use is not significant, but there are many different kinds (waxed, dental tape, mint and cinnamon flavored) Find a floss that works well for you and use it.

Flossing Results Facts If the gums are infected then they will bleed, but this is expected if you are a beginner. The bleeding should go away after a week of regular flossing. Facts Floss aid are available if it’s difficult to work with string. Flossing is equally as important as brushing. Floss before you brush.

Flossing Properly The first picture is showing you how much floss is used when working it in between your teeth. The second is a great picture showing how to run the floss in a C shape around the side of the tooth and slide it under the gum line. The third is an example of a floss aid, which helps get the floss in those hard to reach places or for someone who has an appliance in their mouth.

Brushing Brush twice a day Brush for two minutes In the morning after breakfast It is most important to brush at night before you go to bed Brush for two minutes Change your toothbrush every 3 months

Brushing Important Facts Process Use a toothbrush that you prefer, but make sure that it has soft bristles. Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride. Process Brush in a circular pattern at a 45 degree angle. Brush each quadrant of the mouth for 30 seconds. Brush the tongue and the roof of the mouth. Run your toothbrush under some water to remove all of the bacteria that was just removed from the mouth. If your toothpaste does not have fluoride in it then there are mouth rinses that have fluoride in them (ACT) Fluoride makes the teeth stronger and you use it after you brush.

Brushing Properly These pictures are all showing the most effective ways to brush all of the different parts of the mouth.

What happens when the teeth are not given the proper care? Gingivitis Periodontal disease Bad breath

Gingivitis Signs of gingivitis: Redness where the gums and teeth meet Definition-The swelling or discoloration of the gums. Most people are unaware that they have it because it is painless in most cases. It is very common It is the mildest form of gum disease and is reversible. It is the beginning stage of periodontal disease. Signs of gingivitis: Redness where the gums and teeth meet Sore or swollen gums Bleeding of the gums Bad breath

Gingivitis This picture shows a mouth that is infected with gingivitis and you can tell by the redness and the swelling of the gums.

Periodontal Disease Warning Signs: Again most people are unaware because it is painless in the early stages. Main cause: accumulation of plaque – the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth Plaque must be removed or it mineralizes to for tartar. Once tartar is formed, brushing and flossing cannot remove it and you must seek professional care to have it removed. Warning Signs: Persistent bad breath Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing Soft, swollen, or tender gums Gums that are shrinking away from the teeth Permanent teeth becoming loose Changes in the spaces between the teeth, which reflect changes in the underlying bone

Periodontal Disease Once bone is lost to periodontal disease, it never comes back. If too much bone is lost, the teeth COULD become loose and have to be removed or they just fall out on their own.

Periodontal Disease This picture shows periodontal disease and you can tell because the gums are receding and the gums are swollen and red.

Bad Breath Causes Ways to Improve Strong foods such as garlic and onions Dry mouth which results form stress, smoking, and old age Improper and inconsistent dental home care Ways to Improve Eliminate the bacteria found on the tongue and gums by brushing Use a mouthwash like Listerine Listerine needs to be swished around in the mouth for 30 Go as long as you can and build up to 30 sec

Conclusion Brush your teeth Clean between your teeth by flossing And schedule regular dental visits for a healthy smile.

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