Begin your teeth brushing by placing the head of the brush beside your teeth, with the bristles at a 45 degree angle against the gum line (where the teeth and gums meet). Think of the brush as a both a toothbrush and a gum brush. With the bristles contacting both tooth and gum, move the brush back and forth several times across each tooth individually.

Teeth Brushing Image 2Use a short stroke and a gentle scrubbing motion, as if the goal were to massage the gum. Don’t’ try to force the bristles under the gum line; that will happen naturally, especially with a brush that has soft, flexible bristles.

While doing your teeth brushing, start with the outer surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. Then use the same short back-and-forth strokes on the inside surfaces. Try to concentrate harder on the inside surfaces; studies show they’re more often neglected. For the upper and lower front teeth, brush the inside surfaces by using the brush vertically and making several gentle up-and –down strokes over the teeth and gums.

Finish up by lightly scrubbing the chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. While doing your teeth brushing, you should also brush your tongue for a fresher breath. If you have any questions regarding this or any other aspect of your dental care, please feel free to call upon any member of our dental team. We are dedicated to providing you with the finest in dental care. Please let us know how we can help.

Brushing teeth doesn't have to be an activity you and your child dread daily. You can engage your child by making brushing fun and by role modeling good oral hygiene. With all the cool toothbrushes and toothpaste options for kids, you can definitely increase your child's excitement for brushing. Check out some of our tips below to help making brushing more fun!!

• Make brushing teeth fun. Look for ways to engage your children in brushing. Make it seem as if if brushing is a fun thing to do rather than a chore. Get your child a fun and colorful toothbrush to start.

 

• Allow your children to brush your teeth. Have fun with that, then allow them to brush their own teeth. Finish the session by brushing your child's teeth.

 

• Have your child brush their favorite doll's teeth before you brush theirs. Remember to routinely give them the opportunity to brush their own teeth and then follow up by brushing their teeth correctly.

 

• Use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste on your child's toothbrush. Larger amounts tend to be difficult for kids to handle by creating too much foam an overwhelming your child's mouth with toothpaste!


 

• Be careful of the toothpaste you use. Many toothpastes contain strong flavorings that adults may not notice, but that can sting young mouths. Use a toothpaste that's specially made for kids.

 

• Have the primary caretakers go up to the bathroom eager to brush. Laugh and make it sound really fun. Your child just may realize that they are missing out on something fun and will want to join in.

 

• An oral hygiene chart can make brushing fun and rewarding. Check out some of our free printable charts!

 

• Don't forget to praise, praise, praise your kids for their awesome brushing.

Adapted from Getting Your Kids To Brush,  www.saveyoursmile.com

Hard bristles were once recommended but are now thought to be too abrasive to the teeth and gums. We now suggest a soft, rounded-end nylon bristle brush. Be sure to discard brushes when the bristles are bend or frayed or approximately every three to four months.