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Inspect Your Mouth

Using a hand mirror and a good light, examine your mouth. Check off any of the problems you see:

• white spots
• swollen gums
• sores
• dark spots

Other Problems:

• gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• toothache
• sensitivity to heat or cold
• jaw pain, or pain when opening or closing your mouth

What to Do About Mouth Problems

See your doctor about sores or white spots in your mouth that persist for more than two weeks or occur frequently. See your dentist if you have a toothache - chances are it will only get worse if you ignore it. Your dentist may also be able to advise you on temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) that can cause pain in the jaw area. To prevent swollen or bleeding gums, brush and floss daily.

How to Brush

Most dentists recommend a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles and a head that allows you to reach all parts of your mouth.

• Place a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste on your toothbrush.
• Gently brush, using small, circular motions, at a 45-degree angle to the teeth. Hard scrubbing, especially with stiff-bristles brushes, can cause gum problems and scratch the enamel.
• Brush all surfaces, making sure to get behind the back teeth.
• Brush the tongue, a favorite home for bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Brush at least twice a day for two minutes per session.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months.

Use disclosing tablets to help you clean effectively. When chewed, these tablets will temporarily stain areas of plaque with a harmless bright red or blue dye, showing where you need to brush or floss more. You can get disclosing tablets at your drugstore.

How to Floss

Flossing seems awkward at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. Your gums may bleed at first, but they'll become healthy with ocntinued flossing. Any kind of floss - waxed or unwaxed - will do.

• Cut about 18 inches of flosee. Wrap the ends around your middle fingers until you hands are 2 to 3 inches apart. Or cut a piece 10 to 12 inches long and tie the ends in a loop.
• Grasp the floss with your forefingers about a half-inch apart.
• Curve the floss around each tooth and gently slide it under the gum line on one side. Move the floss up and down several times, scraping the side of the tooth. Then scrape the side of the adjacent tooth.
• Floss between all teeth and behind your back teeth.
• Use dental floss at least once a day.

To Keep Your Mouth Healthy:

• Brush and floss at least once a day, especially after eating sweet or starchy foods.
• Cut back on sugary foods.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Get regular dental exams and teeth cleanings.