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Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
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-- Brushing for Dental Health --


 

Plaque is an invisible, sticky film that coats our teeth. It consists of germs (bacteria) that cause tooth decay (cavities).


Brushing your teeth after each meal will help to reduce tooth decay and gum disease.
Encourage your children to brush their teeth after breakfast, after lunch and before they go to bed at night.

How to Brush

Scrub biting surfaces. On top of teeth where you chew, point the bristles of the toothbrush into the grooves and scrub gently back and forth.

     

Point the bristles toward the gumline and brush gently in a circular motion on both cheek and tongue sides of your teeth. It is stressed not to scrub vigorously back and forth on these surfaces for it can hurt the gums.

     
Replace a tooth brush when the bristles become frayed and are now longer straight.

Brushing Tips

  • Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is what protects teeth from decay.
  • Brush your tongue for a fresh feeling! Rinse again.
  • A toothbrush with soft end-rounded bristles is less likely to injure gum tissue.
  • The size and shape of the toothbrush should allow you to reach every tooth.
  • Remember a a worn out toothbrush can not properly clean your teeth and it may injure your gums.
 
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   Mailing Address: County of Santa Cruz  Health Services Agency
   1080 Emeline Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 | Phone: 831 454 4000 | Fax: 831 454 4770
   Hearing Impaired TDD: 831 454 2123 | copyright© 2000 County of Santa Cruz

 
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