• How to brush?
There are a few different methods considered acceptable when brushing your teeth. Whatever method you use, take the time to brush thoroughly with recommended toothpaste every day. We recommend the following method to help maintain dental health and easily get rid of plaque:
- Place the head of your toothbrush beside your teeth with the brush tips at a 45 degree angle against your gum.
- Move the brush back and forth in short, semi-circle strokes several times.
- Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, top and bottom, keeping the bristles angled against your gum.
- Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all the teeth, still using short back and forth strokes.
- It is important to brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth as well.
- You should not forget your tongue, brushing it will help freshen your breath and clean your mouth by removing bacteria.
• How to floss?
An essential part of your routine, flossing removes plaque from between the teeth areas where gum disease can begin. It can sometimes feel a little awkward to floss but following the tips below will help you feel more comfortable in maintaining your oral health:
- Wind roughly 20cm of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Hold each end of the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about 2-3cm of length between. Use your thumbs to direct the floss between your upper teeth.
- Keeping the floss nice and firm between fingers, use your index finger to direct the floss between the lower teeth.
- Gently guide the floss between the teeth by using a zig zag motion. It is important to remember not to snap the floss between your teeth but use a smooth and flowing motion around each side of the tooth.
- Slide the floss up and down against your tooth surface and under the gum. This may feel awkward but it is important to get underneath the tooth to clean those areas.
• Why do you need a mouthguard?
Sporting accidents are one of the most common causes of dental injury. Every year thousands of people, including children, are treated for dental injuries that could have been avoided or minimised by wearing a protective, custom-fitted mouthguard.
Damaged or knocked out teeth, broken jaws and cut lips can be sustained when playing sport. Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard helps to absorb and spread the impact of a blow to your face, which might otherwise result in an injury to your mouth or jaw.
Dental injuries can result in time off school or work to recover, can be painful and disfiguring, and may involve lengthy and complex dental treatment. The cost of an injury to your teeth or jaw far exceeds the cost of a custom-fitted mouthguard.
See more at: http://www.mouthguardawareness.info/aboutmouthguards
