Good oral hygiene is the first step in preventing periodontal or gum disease. This starts with brushing and flossing your teeth every day. At first, flossing might feel awkward. But stick with it! With just a little patience and practice, it will begin to feel as natural as brushing your teeth.

What is the best way to brush your teeth?

Step One:
For the outer tooth surfaces, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line.
Use gentle, short strokes, moving the brush back and forth against the teeth and gums.

Step Two:
Use this same motion to clean the chewing and inner tooth surfaces.

Step Three:
To clean the inner front tooth surfaces, hold the brush upright and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush.

Step Four:
Don’t forget to brush along the gum line, and make sure you reach the teeth right at the back.
Also give your tongue a brushing – it’ll help keep your breath fresh!

The best technique for flossing your teeth is:

Step 1:
Take about 18 inches (50cm) of floss and loosely wrap most of it around each middle finger (wrapping more around one finger than the other) leaving 2 inches (5cm) of floss in between.

Step 2:
With your thumbs and index fingers holding the floss taut, gently slide it down between your teeth, while being careful not to snap it down on your gums.

Step 3:
Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and gently move it up and down the sides of each tooth, including under the gum line.
Unroll a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Are you already suffering from periodontal disease? Treatment options include both laser periodontal therapy and gum tissue regeneration techniques. You should contact a periodontist or talk to your dentist to set up an evaluation on an individual basis and develop a customized treatment plan.