Brushing Tips For Kids
Everyday Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay
Brushing
- First, you’ll want a toothbrush that’s just your size. Usually you’ll use a child size one with soft bristles. Remember, sharing is a good thing, but toothbrushes are an exception. Don’t share your toothbrush.
- Then use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste with cavity protection. Brush in small circles on every side of your teeth. Don’t forget the backs! After brushing for 2 minutes you’ll spit out the toothpaste into the sink. If you’re not a good spitter your mom or dad should talk to the dentist before you use fluoride toothpaste.
- You should always brush at least twice a day, morning and bedtime. It should take about 2 minutes each time to do a good cleaning.
Flossing
- If your teeth touch, you’ll want to floss once every day. Flossing helps remove the plaque from
between your teeth and from below the gum line. Removing this plaque helps prevent gingivitis (a form of gum disease).
- Flossing can be kind of tough. You might need your parents help until your about 8 years old. Sometimes using a plastic-
handled “flosser” can help make flossing easier for you.
Rinsing
- You might want to use an antimicrobial mouth rinse that can kill the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. Rinsing for 30 seconds, twice a day, can kill more plaque than brushing alone.
- Using a fluoride rinse can help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
- Make sure that if you use a fluoride rinse that you have an adult with you. Swallowing too much fluoride can make you sick so you’ll always need adult supervision.
- After rinsing, spit the rinse in the sink. Don’t swallow it!
- Rinsing is a great tool for your dental health, but remember that it doesn’t take the place of brushing and flossing. You’ll still need to brush and floss twice a day.