Brush Up on Your Brushing & Flossing!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Do YOU know the proper way to brush and floss your teeth? Often times when parents don’t, they end up teaching their young wrongs the wrong way to brush thus forming poor dental habits. Not sure if this rings true in your household? See below to brush up on how to brush your teeth:

Brushing Rules:

• Keep the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards the gums
• Use a gentle circular motion while brushing
• Clean all surfaces of the teeth including the front, back, and top
• Brush tongue to remove any bacteria that could cause bad breath
• Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, this can irritate the gums
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed
• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until they are old enough to do it on their own

When it comes to your children’s teeth, taking care of them properly depends on what age group you’re dealing with. At birth clean your child’s gums with a soft cloth and water. When their teeth start to show, brush them with a soft bristled toothbrush. Children under the age of two should use a small “smear” of toothpaste and for the ages 2-5, use a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste. Use ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and urge them not to swallow it but instead spit or rinse.

Flossing is just as important in the fight against gum disease and tooth loss. Flossing removes plaque between teeth and under the gum line where a toothbrush may have problems reaching. To get the maximum benefits from flossing, use the below technique:

Flossing Rules:

• Should begin when any two teeth have begun to touch
• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind the floss around your two middle fingers
• Hold the floss tightly between thumb and forefingers with an inch of floss in between
• Gently guide floss between teeth but do not jerk or snap floss into the gums (this can cause bleeding and damage to occur)
• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve the floss into a C-shape against the tooth
• Be sure to Supervise your child’s brushing and flossing until they are 7-8 years old

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

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