Brushing and Flossing

With the eruption if the baby’s first tooth, is when the parent or guardian should start brushing their child’s teeth. Using a soft bristled toothbrush, moistened with warm water, begin brushing using a circular motion that includes not only the teeth, but also the gum line. With gentle pressure, this technique creates a sweeping motion that ensures more effective plaque removal than a side-to-side or up-and-down movement. As soon as a child can grasp a toothbrush, a parent can introduce tooth brushing. Assistance and supervision will be required for several years. Brushing should be done at least once during the day, and before bed time.

With so many flossing aids available today, even a child of three can start to floss his or her teeth. This will encourage proper interdental maintenance and a healthy, daily flossing routine for years to come.

Floss sticks and wands use the same principles. Using a “sawing” or back and forth motion together with a gentle pressure downward will get the floss past the contact between the teeth. Press the floss up against each side of the tooth, one at a time, and move the floss up and down the tooth surface. This allows the floss to remove plaque and debris between the teeth and slightly under the gum. Do this once a day-before bedtime is best.

Toothpaste with fluoride can be introduced when your child can effectively expectorate (spit). Good or sweet tasting toothpaste does not encourage this. A parent may find his or her child eating the toothpaste. Do not encourage this as excessive fluoride intake can lead to Fluorosis-a condition that leaves newly forming adult teeth with permanent white spots and in severe cases, brown spots.

Your dental health professionals can help you evaluate yours, and your child’s effectiveness with plaque removal at each dental visit. Your child’s first dental visit should be around 2-3 years of age when all his/her baby teeth have come in-a total of twenty teeth! Regular dental check up and cleaning visits should continue every six months thereafter.