Here's a quick one-page summary of the "why" and "how" of brushing your teeth--right down to how to care for your toothbrush!

7 Important Reasons to Brush Your Teeth:

1. Saves money on the following expenses:
2. Improves breath
3. Prevents pain: Your mouth feels better.
4. Brightens your smile with beautifully white teeth
5. Protects your heart: The bacteria and plaque on your teeth can travel directly to your heart causing many versions of heart disease.
6. Models a good habit to your children.
7. Makes food taste better: The constant and occurring buildup of plaque and bacteria can damage your taste buds if not removed periodically.
   • tooth decay
   • root canals
   • cavities
   • dentures

   • whitening products

How to Brush Your Teeth (Dr. Wolpo's complete mini-manual.)

• Dampen your toothbrush with water. (Turn off the water while brushing to conserve.)
• Apply toothpaste an amount the size of a pea is sufficient. Any more is wasteful.
• Brush each tooth individually and thoroughly, including the backs and edges of each.
• The most popular and most recommended tooth brushing method is the Bass method:
  1. Place the toothbrush bristles at a 45 degree angle on the front surface of the back teeth. Move the toothbrush in small circular motions.
  2. Make sure that you brush the tooth and especially the area where the tooth meets the gums.
  3. With this circular motion, slowly move forward towards the front teeth. Be sure to take your time and clean off all food debris and plaque.
  4. Continue to move around the arch and cover the back teeth on the opposite side.
  5. Repeat these steps with the back of the teeth as well (the side of the teeth that is closest to the tongue)
  6. Next, brush the chewing surfaces of all teeth, even the front teeth. Move the toothbrush back in forth in a "scrubbing motion".
• Gently brush your gums. This will keep your gums stimulated and help to ward off certain diseases such as Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
• Rinse your toothbrush, place on tongue, and gently run the bristles over your tongue (the tongue can also harbor bacteria and cavity causing germs). This also helps you to have fresher breath.
• Rinse your mouth with clear, cool water.
• Floss after brushing teeth to ensure that you have removed all food particles from between your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one that has an anti-plaque ingredient to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy.

Take care of your toothbrush!

• Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with warm water, cover it and put it away. Covering your toothbrush is vital for preventing the buildup of airborne bacteria, including microscopic particles from the toilet.
• Change your toothbrush after you have been sick. Germs can hide in toothbrush bristles and lead to reinfection.
• Change your toothbrush every three months. Studies show that after three months of normal wear and tear, toothbrushes are much less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums compared to new ones.
• Re-cap the toothpaste and put it away as well.

Finally, visit your dentist at least two times each year for professional cleaning and to ensure the health of your teeth and gums.

The benefits of a happy, healthy smile are immeasurable!

Sincerely,

Stephen H. Wolpo, D.D.S.
Smile Sensations Dental Practice