Brushing and Flossing Tips

 

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

As new teeth erupt, examine them every two weeks for lines and discoloration caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes their teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing three times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, and at bedtime. Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste. Children should not brush with fluoridated toothpaste until they are old enough to spit out all toothpaste after brushing. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.

 

Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and should be part of a daily routine when teeth begin to touch.  Not only does flossing clean between teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach, but daily flossing at an early age creates good oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime.

 

Brushing: Step  1

Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.

 

Brushing: Step 2

Brush gently in a circular motion.

 

Brushing: Step 3

Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

 

Brushing: Step  4

Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

 

Flossing: Step  1

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and as the floss is used, the other finger takes it up.

 

Flossing: Step  2

Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

 

Flossing: Step  3

Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

 

Flossing: Step  4

Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.

 

Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is preventable.  Tooth decay is caused by specific oral bacteria that use sugars left in your mouth to create an acid, which can break down teeth.  Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason – many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits.  Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.  A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.

 

Your child should visit the dentist every 6 months for regular dental cleanings and checkups.  We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest.  Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas.  Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your regular checkups.

Brushing and Flossing Tips

 

Adopting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

As new teeth erupt, examine them every two weeks for lines and discoloration caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids can attack a new tooth, so take care that your child brushes their teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing three times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, and at bedtime. Brushing can be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste. Children should not brush with fluoridated toothpaste until they are old enough to spit out all toothpaste after brushing. We suggest reviewing proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.

 

Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits, and should be part of a daily routine when teeth begin to touch.  Not only does flossing clean between teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach, but daily flossing at an early age creates good oral hygiene habits that can last a lifetime.

 

Brushing: Step  1

Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.

 

Brushing: Step 2

Brush gently in a circular motion.

 

Brushing: Step 3

Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

 

Brushing: Step  4

Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

 

Flossing: Step  1

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and as the floss is used, the other finger takes it up.

 

Flossing: Step  2

Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

 

Flossing: Step  3

Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

 

Flossing: Step  4

Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

If you notice signs of decay, contact your dentist immediately.

 

Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is preventable.  Tooth decay is caused by specific oral bacteria that use sugars left in your mouth to create an acid, which can break down teeth.  Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason – many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits.  Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.  A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.

 

Your child should visit the dentist every 6 months for regular dental cleanings and checkups.  We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest.  Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas.  Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your regular checkups.

map