Brushing and Flossing
Milestones:
1. Infants with no teeth – Wipe with moist cloth or gauze square twice a day (morning and bedtime)
2. Eruption of first teeth – Use child’s toothbrush with a small amount (1/2 Rice sized) amount of toothpaste. (Age appropriate)
3. Age Two – Begin teaching your child to brush but still need to brush after them. Use pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to spit out, not to swallow the toothpaste when finished
4. Start flossing the teeth when the contacts close or by age 3
5. Age Seven to Eight – Usually able to brush on their own
6. Age Nine – time to start flossing on their own!
Brushing technique
- Brush the inside & outside surfaces of each tooth, don’t forget both top & bottom
- Hold brush at an angle towards the teeth & gums
- Use short strokes, moving brush back and forth
- Brush the tongue gently to remove bacteria
- Hold the brush flat to reach the top of teeth
- Floss your child's teeth once a day
Fun Tips & Tricks to Get Them to Brush:
- Battery operated toothbrushes are fun and can be inexpensive
- Let him/ her pick their own toothbrush
- Get a children's book on brushing
- Everyone can brush together!
- Let him/her brush your teeth
- Character toothbrushes
Why is flossing important at least once a day?
Many dentists believe that flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque. In any event, daily flossing is an excellent and proven method for complementing your brushing routine and helping to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental problems later in life. It also increases blood circulation in your gums. Floss at least once every day. Like brushing, flossing should take about three minutes and can easily be done while doing another activity, such as watching television.
