Does every member of your family take time to brush and floss properly? If not, this could leave smiles vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease, and even stained teeth and bad breath. Which is why we want to make sure you and your family are caring for your smiles properly! In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist talks about brushing and flossing habits.
Brushing Teeth
We need to brush our teeth every single day as adults. This helps remove trapped food particles to lower the risk of plaque buildup, which would otherwise lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and even a higher risk of gum disease. These actions help fight bad breath and teeth stains too. You should brush in the morning and again at night for two minutes each time, using a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the outer enamel and prevent enamel erosion. Be sure you reach every available surface. You can use an electric or manual toothbrush; both are effective if used for two minutes twice a day.
Brushing for Kids
Kids need to brush too! For babies, you can use cloth, gauze or a toothbrush that fits over your finger to clean their teeth twice a day. For toddlers, upgrade to an age appropriate toothbrush. You may need to assist younger toddlers, and can monitor your kids as their dexterity improves and they clean their teeth on their own. A sand timer, song, or video can help time them, and they need to clean their teeth in the morning and evening for two minutes just like you. Fluoride toothpaste also benefits kids, those three and younger need a rice sized amount, kids three and toddler need a pea-sized amount.
Flossing
Adults need to floss every evening! This removes what is beyond the reach of a toothbrush and helps fight gingivitis and gum disease. Take an 18inch to 20inch length of tape and wrap each end around one of your thumbs, and hold it taut with your index finger. Run the tape up and down each side of every tooth, and dip beneath the gum too. Then adjust your grip to use a clean portion for the next tooth. This should happen every night before you brush for the last time.
Helping Your Kids Floss
Kids also need to floss! A floss pick is often easier for younger kids to use, and they may need your assistance reaching the rear teeth!
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT ORAL HYGIENE HABITS
Daily care can help smiles of all ages stay strong and cavity-free. If you would like to find out we protect a smile’s health and beauty, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
