Bright Smiles for Aussie Kids

This week in Woman’s Day we have launched the Bright Smiles campaign in conjunction with the NDF and Colgate. To help keep your teeth healthy, follow these simple steps to a shining smile.

Floss at least once a day, preferably at night.
Use about 45 centimeters of floss and wind most of it around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with.
Hold the floss tight between your thumbs and index fingers and slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth, gently following the curves of your teeth.
Be sure to clean beneath the gum line, but avoid snapping the floss on the gums.
Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

What to use:

There are two types of dental floss: Nylon and PTFE. PTFE floss can be more expensive, but this is because is it less likely to tear and shred. When used properly, both are brilliant in the battle against hidden, cavity-forming bacteria.

A thorough cleaning. Using special instruments, a dental hygienist may scrape below the gum line, removing built-up plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other problems. Your dentist or hygienist may also polish and floss your teeth.
A full examination. Your dentist may perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, looking for signs of disease or other problems.
X-rays. Your dentist may recommend X-rays to help diagnose problems such as damage to jawbones, impacted teeth, and decay between the teeth.

For more information about Bright Smiles please go to www.brightsmiles.net.au

For some great oral health information please visit http://oralhealth.ninemsn.com.au