| 1 | Choose the right toothbrush. Look for a brush that is ergonomically designed so that you always contact the gums at a 45-degree angle (recommended by the American Dental Association). This insures that you are able to remove plaque that forms slightly under the gum
line. I recommend using a multi-tufted, soft brush with rounded bristles. The bristles should be shaped like an inverted V so that they can
reach under the gum crevice and make it easy to brush at that 45-degree angle. |
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| 2 | Brush your teeth by firmly, but not roughly, rotating the toothbrush in quick small circles. The correct pressure on the brush is important. Listen to the music of the bristles. If you press too hard, the bristles will not move and you will not hear anything. If you press softly, you will hear the bristles moving clearly. After you have given each surface of the tooth approximately ten rapid rotations, move onto the next without losing contact or pressure (vibrating between teeth as you go) until you have brushed both sides of all your teeth thoroughly. Rinse with plain, cool water. A good brushing will take two minutes. |  |
| 3 | The tongue can harbor bacteria and contribute to bad breath. Research shows that over 85 percent of the odor-causing bacteria breeds on your tongue. To avoid this unpleasant problem, use your toothbrush in downward strokes to brush away unwanted microbes. Better yet, use a tongue cleaning implement that is especially designed to cleanse gently without any risk of irritation. Follow-up with another water rinse. | |
| 4 | Flossing takes care of plaque in the hard-to-reach places like in between your teeth and below the gum line—places that your toothbrush can't reach. Start flossing in front of a mirror until you learn where the nooks and crannies of your teeth are. Using an 18-inch piece of unwaxed dental floss, create a taut four to five-inch section by wrapping one end around your right and left middle fingers. Make sure the floss is wrapped tightly around the side of the tooth in a C shape. (Tip: Keep you elbows as close together as you can. This will make the floss go in at the correct angle.) Starting with your front center tooth, wrap the floss tightly around the inner side of each tooth and then push down until it slips down under the space between the tooth and gum. There may be some slight bleeding, but there should be no pain when flossing. If there is bleeding, then you are being a bit too rough and pinching the gum. | |
| 5 | Oral water irrigators, such as the WaterPik, aren’t necessary if you are brushing and flossing correctly and regularly, but they can be another beneficial addition to your oral care routine if used properly. Following the directions carefully is important in getting the best results with this type of product. If you have questions, always ask your dentist or hygienist. | |
| 6 | Finish with a mouthwash or oral rinse to not only ensure that your mouth feels extra fresh and clean, but to also (depending on the brand) help fight bacteria, tooth decay, bad breath and tooth discoloration or yellowing. | |
| 7 | Along with daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups should be part of your oral care program. If you notice anything out of
the ordinary, such as persistent bad breath, bleeding, lumps or sores, see your dentist to rule out anything serious. Remember: the health
of your teeth and gums impacts the health of your entire body. |
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Dr. Irwin Smigel, known as the Father of Aesthetic Dentistry, founded and is the current
president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (www.asdatoday.com). Dr. Smigel
is also the inventor and international spokesperson for Supersmile Total Oral Care Whitening
Products (with Calprox©). Dr. Smigel maintains a successful practice on Madison Avenue where
his clients include Johnny Depp, Kelly Ripa, Barry Diller and Elizabeth Taylor to name just a few.
You can reach him at dr.smigel@supersmile.com or visit his site www.supersmile.com.
