PROPER TOOTH BRUSHING Anastasija Perišić Mina Đorđević Lazar Đorđević Lena Stevanović Petar Miljković Vuk Matorčević I-4

• Regular and proper tooth brushing is the only way to prevent the occurrence of both, caries and gum disease. By brushing the teeth, we remove food deposits, as well as bacteria from the surface of the teeth, which are the direct causes of dental caries.

• Although brushing teeth is a very simple procedure, most people do it incorrectly. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening for 3 minutes. Teeth are brushed in the evening for health, and in the morning for hygiene.

ACCESSORIES FOR PROPER TOOTH BRUSHING • Toothbrush ( electric or regular ) • Toothpaste • Interdental brushes • Dental floss • Tooth rinser • Tongue scraper

TOOTHBRUSH • It is the best to use brushes of medium hardness, such brushes are sufficient for thorough brushing of the teeth while not damaging the gums.

• Brushes with synthetic fibers are recommended, because they reduce the retention of microorganisms and, in addition, enable better cleaning efficiency.

• We should change the brush when we start noticing sings of damage or after 2-3 months.

TOOTHPASTE • The most important thing is to find a toothpaste rich in fluoride because it significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay.

INTERDENTAL BRUSHES • Interdental brushes remove deposits between the teeth and along the edges of the gums where the brushes do not reach.

DENTAL FLOSS • Dental floss is made of thin threads and is used to remove food residues from hard-to-reach areas.

MOUTHWASH • Mouthwash is an antiseptic solution used to rinse the mouth and teeth. It is important to note that liquid is used after thorough washing and cleaning as a final step. Mouthwash is by no means a substitute for brushing your teeth.

PROPER TECHNIQUE I.

Put a small amount of toothpaste on the head of toothbrush.

II.

The brush should be placed on the outside of the teeth at an angle of 45º. Use gentle and short strokes to brush your front teeth, including the palate.

III. With light movements, turn the brush downwards so that it includes 2-3 teeth as well as for the next ones. Repeat this technique about 8 times and make sure to get the back molars and upper areas of your chewing surfaces.

IV. The brush should then be placed on the teeth of the lower jaw. Again, place the brush at an angle of 45º. After that you should turn the brush upwards and use light movements. Repeat this about 8 times and brush each tooth thoroughly. V.

Place the brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up-and-down movements, using the upper half of brush, to make sure you have cleaned every surface.

VI. Place the brush on the biting surfaces of the teeth. Cleaning is achieved by movements from back to front. In at this stage it is desirable to wash the upper side of the tongue as well.

PROPER BRUSHING OF CHILDREN’S TEETH • Correct and regular maintenance of oral hygiene is essential for dental health.

• It is easiest to explain the brushing system: “as the rain falls, the grass grows”, and brushing their teeth through play.

• As a rule, a habit once acquired lasts a lifetime, it is important to teach children to brush their teeth correctly.

• The most important thing is to remove all food residues and deposits that are retained near the gums and in the deepest parts of the teeth ( pits and fissures ).

PROCEDURE: I.

The tooth brushing procedure should not be shorter than 3-4 minutes.

II. Choose brushes with the softest fibers, so that the size is adapted to the little ones. III. The introduction of toothpaste is recommended after the third year of life. Until then a toothbrush is sufficient water.

IV. The most important thing is to brush teeth at least twice a day.

• Proper maintenance of oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are the only way to make your smile bright.