Brushing Problem Areas

Cleaning your teeth effectively means getting to know your mouth’s tricky spots, where food and bacterial plaque get trapped. Common problem areas are discussed, including crowded/overlapped teeth; the gingival sulcus (gumline); interproximal areas (between teeth); deep pits and fissures (especially upper back teeth); and around dental restorations. Non-dental reasons for maintaining a healthy mouth are given, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and peripheral vascular health. Caries and periodontal disease are also discussed.