Prevention Today, Healthy Teeth Tomorrow
The best way to remove harmful plaque from your teeth is to brush regularly and properly. It is recommended that we all brush our teeth at least twice a day for about 2 minutes to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists recommend the following technique.
Place the toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle.
Gently brush teeth only a small group of teeth at a time (in a circular or elliptical motion) until the entire mouth is covered.
Brush the outside of the teeth, inside of the teeth, the chewing surfaces, and in between each tooth. Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least twice daily, especially after meals and snacks.
When choosing a toothbrush look for a small head with soft nylon bristles that are rounded at the ends. The handle should be firm and easy grip. The brand of toothpaste you choose should contain fluoride once the child reaches the age of 2. Flossing is also important if teeth are touching each other. Electric toothbrushes work well. What is important is for the child to want to brush and spend time brushing.
Brushing alone will not remove all harmful plaque especially in hard to reach places like in between your teeth and below the gum line. Flossing will help in these problem areas to remove plaque and debris, polish tooth surfaces and control bad breath. The type of floss is not as important as consistent flossing. It is recommended that we all floss daily for two to three minutes.
The following are flossing methods recommended for adults:
Spool method (finger wrap method) – Cut off a piece of floss that is approximately 18-20 inches in length. Lightly wrap each side of the piece of floss several times around each middle finger. Next, carefully maneuver the floss in between the teeth with your index finger and thumbs in an up and down, not side to side motion. It is best to bring the floss up and down making sure to go below the gum line, forming a "C" in the side of each tooth.
Loop method (circle method) – Cut off a piece of floss that is approximately 18 inches long, and tie it securely in a circle. Next, place all the fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Then, use your index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, making sure to go below the gum line, forming a "C" in the side of each tooth.
Flossing tools can be a helpful adjunct for children and people with disabilities.
Regular dental care should begin with your child's first birthday. This usually coincides with the eruption of your baby's first tooth sometime between six and twelve months.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the following:
Birth to 6 months of age -
Clean your baby's mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime.
Consult your child's healthcare provider regarding fluoride treatments.
Regulate feeding habits (bottle feeding and breast feeding).
Six months to 12 months of age -
During this time, the first tooth should appear. When this occurs make your first appointment with a pediatric dentist.
Brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small, soft bristled brush.
As your child begins to walk, stay alert of potential dental and/or facial injuries.
Wean your baby from the breast or bottle by his/her birthday.
Twelve months to 24 months of age -
Follow the schedule of dental examinations and cleaning, as recommended by your child's pediatric dentist. Generally, dental examination and cleanings are recommended every six months for children and adults. As your child learns to rinse his/her mouth and as most deciduous (baby) teeth have erupted by this age, brushing with a pea-sized portion of fluorinated toothpaste becomes appropriate.
- How to decrease the chance your child will have cavities.
- Parent's guide to preventive careBraces - when should you ask your dentist.
- Accidents – what to do when teeth hurt.
