BRUSHING
It should take you two minutes to brush your teeth thoroughly.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, to avoid the accumulation of food particles and plaque. This will help to minimize your risk for cavities.
For children under 2 years of age, a soft bristled tooth brush and a “smear” of fluoridated tooth paste is recommended, regardless of the child’s ability to spit out. This tiny amount allows the teeth to be protected by daily fluoride exposure, while reducing the child’s risk for fluorosis, which may cause unsightly discoloration of the permanent teeth.
For children between the ages of 2 and 5 years, a soft bristsled tooth brush and a “small pea” of fluoridated toothpaste is appropriate .
For patients 6 years of age and older, a regular ”pea size” is safe and effective.
FLOSSING
For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, dental floss is used to remove food particles and plaque. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. It is very important to floss between your teeth every day.
Pull a small length of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your middle fingers. Guide the floss between the teeth, forming a “C-shape” at the gumline. This will remove any food particles or plaque that your toothbrush cannot reach. Floss daily between any teeth that are touching, both in the front and back of your mouth.
Floss at night to make sure your teeth are squeaky clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, let a staff member know at your next appointment.