Brushing & Flossing

Brushing

A soft toothbrush is kinder to your teeth and gums, and also makes it much easier to remove the plaque below the gumline. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. The timing of your brushing is important, too. Brushing after breakfast cleans away the morning’s food debris, and prevents the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth from leaving behind the destructive acid they produce when they digest that food. And brushing your child’s teeth before bedtime protects the teeth all night.

Children do not have the dexterity to brush satisfactorily by themselves until around age 7 (when they can write in cursive). Parent’s should brush and floss their child’s teeth once a day for them and encourage their child to brush a second time, with parents supervising. To develop good brushing habits, your child should brush at the same time every day. Parent’s are encouraged to set a good example by brushing along with your child. Check your child’s teeth monthly for any early signs of cavities (white spots). It is important NOT to share your toothbrush with anyone else and it is recommended that your toothbrush be replaced when your child has strep throat, recurring sore throats, or when bristles are worn.

If your child is less than one year of age it is best to place your child’s head in your lap to clean their teeth. You may use a washcloth to wipe the teeth if they are too young for a toothbrush. As soon as baby teeth appear begin brushing and flossing when you notice that any two teeth are touching. Place older children in a position that allows you to see inside their mouth, and that is safe for your child.

Flossing

Most cavities start between your teeth, where the bristles of your toothbrush simply can’t reach. To keep your child’s gums and teeth healthy it is important to use dental floss to remove the plaque between your teeth at least once a day. Gently guide floss between the teeth using a side-to-side motion. If you are just beginning to floss your child’s teeth the gums may bleed a bit. After about a week of daily flossing, the bleeding should stop. If your teeth are too tight to floss, or if the floss catches or tears, let us know. This may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

You as a parent can teach your child to have good oral habits. Limit sweets and avoid sticky foods. Any food can cause cavities if you do not brush. Remember that bottles and sippy cups allow liquid to remain in contact with the teeth for long periods of time. Parents should avoid placing liquids such as juice, soda pop, kool-aid etc. in a bottle or cup that can cause cavities. Children should never be put to bed with a bottle or cup unless they contain plain water. Limit drinking juice to no more than 4 to 6 oz daily for children 1- 6 years of age.

Bacteria that cause cavities are spread from parent to child. Avoid activities that could spread your saliva to your child’s mouth such as – sharing a toothbrush, putting your child’s pacifier in your mouth or sharing the same utensil with your child. Cavities in baby teeth are a serious problem and can lead to pain, infection, bleeding and bad breath. Primary teeth with cavities can prevent children from growing and developing normally. Pain from infection reduces children’s abilities to eat, sleep and learn. It is important to take good care of your child’s Primary (baby) teeth. The baby teeth are necessary for chewing as well as saving space for the permanent teeth.