Parents are encouraged to work closely with children to help them establish good oral hygiene habits to last a lifetime.
What follows is a simple, yet comprehensive guide to oral care for the whole family. Parents are encouraged to work closely with children to help them establish good oral hygiene habits to last a lifetime.
Four Steps to Oral Care
1. Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day.
2. Floss once each day.
3. Minimize the number of sugary snacks you consume.
4. See your family dentist on a regular basis.
Brushing Tips
- With each brushing, be sure to brush every available side of each tooth, including the chewing surface (along the crowns).
- Brush at an angle along the gum lines to remove plaque and debris from the gumline.
- Hold the toothbrush vertically to brush behind the front teeth.
Click here for our complete guide to brushing with braces.
Flossing Tips
- Use a length of floss approximately 24 inches long.
- Insert the floss between each pair of touching teeth, including gaps and rear molars.
- Rub your teeth starting from the gumline to remove hidden plaque.
Fluoride: An Aid to Oral Health
When used topically, fluoride can hinder the growth of oral bacteria. In the proper amount, it can also bond with the enamel of your teeth to help strengthen them.
Fluoride Tips
- Be careful not to swallow fluoride toothpaste, as it can be harmful when taken internally. You’ll notice toothpaste containing fluoride warn against swallowing, whereas non-fluoride toothpaste do not.
- If your water source is heavily fluoridated, you should use a non-fluoride toothpaste to avoid the condition known as Fluorosis.
Fluorosis symptoms include;
- Spotty teeth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Keep sugary snacks to a minimum.
- Try to eat sugary snacks only when you will brush or floss within thirty minutes.
- Set a timer for two minutes while brushing to ensure you clean your teeth fully.
If you have any questions for the professionals at Perfect Smiles or wish to make an appointment, visit us online and we will contact you at a time of your choosing.