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Q: Is there a right or wrong way to brush your teeth?
A: As with most things in life, there's a right way to brush your
teeth. When approaching your teeth with the brush, imagine four
sections: the right and left halves of your upper and lower teeth.
Since each section has an inside and outside, you're now dealing
with eight sections. Do one section at a time.
Start at the back, since the back teeth are the hardest to reach
and the most frequently neglected. It's easier to reach and work
on the back teeth if you open your mouth only slightly. Opening
wide pulls the cheeks taut against the teeth. The brush should
be at a 45 degree angle against the gum line so that the bristles
splay out and penetrate the groove, called the sulcus, at the gum
line. Establish a routine of moving through these eight sections.
It will turn into a habit that will hold you in good stead.
Be sure you're using both a toothbrush and toothpaste that bear
the American Dental Association Seal of Approval. When you're done
with the teeth, brush the top of your tongue. It will make your
mouth feel even fresher and can help with bad breath. After brushing,
rinse thoroughly with water. Talk with your dentist about other
tips on brushing.
September 14, 2009
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