A GUIDE TO DENTAL CARE

1. Eat foods that are healthy for you such as: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. If you are at school or at work and cannot brush, rinse your mouth out with water.

2. Floss, floss, floss. This helps remove food that is stuck in-between your teeth that you cannot see. Children should have their parents help them.

3. Do not eat too many sweets. This includes cookies, cakes, ice cream etc.

4. Remember to visit your dentist regularly.

How to brush your teeth.

Plaque is a sticky white film that collects on your teeth. It contains harmful bacteria that are the major cause of both tooth decay and gum disease. This plaque must be removed regularly with proper brushing and flossing.

1. Apply your toothpaste (only a pea size amount)

2. Brush the front of your teeth *The most important area to brush is where your teeth meet your gums*

3. Brush in a circular motion, not up and down. This kind of motion (up & down) can wear down tooth structure and even cause receding gums.

4. Brush the side and back teeth.

5. Brush the inside surface of your teeth.

6. Replace your toothbrush when the bristles start to wear or every three months.

7. The amount of time brushing is important. You should brush for at least 3 minutes.

8. Do not forget to brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue!! Brushing these areas reduces amount of bacteria in your mouth and will freshen your breath too.

How to floss your teeth.

Flossing is used to remove plaque between your teeth, where brushing cannot reach.

1. Wind a length of floss (about 18 inches) around both middle fingers. *Most of the floss should be wrapped around one middle finger*

2. As the floss is used up during flossing, transfer it to the other middle finger.

3. One to two inches of floss are carried smoothly between the teeth.

4. Never snap the floss between your teeth. This can injure the gums.

5. The floss should be slid gently beneath the gums and teeth.

6. Slide the floss up and down along each tooth in a “C” shape. Repeat for all the teeth.

7. Floss at least once a day. This helps prevent cavities and periodontal disease.

Serving Navajo Members since 1901