Brushing
To brush your teeth, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and move the brush back and forth in short strokes. All surfaces of the teeth should be brushed. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use up-and-down strokes. You should also brush your tongue to remove bacteria and help keep your breath fresh.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The brush should fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas easily. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or whenever the bristles appear frayed. You should also use a fluoride toothpaste when caring for your teeth.
[toggle title=”Brushing your child’s teeth”]Tooth decay in infants and toddlers most often occurs in the upper front teeth. Sometimes decay may be so severe that the teeth cannot be saved and must be removed. However, tooth decay is preventable. Since your child’s baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they first appear, it is important to start your child on good oral hygiene early in his or her life.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Birth to Six Months”]You should begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Six Months to Two Years”]A baby’s front four teeth usually push through the gums at about 6 months, although some children don’t have their first tooth until 12 or 14 months. When your child’s teeth begin to come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and water.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Two Years and Up”]For children older than 2, brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure they spit out the toothpaste. You should ask your child’s dentist or physician if you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before the age of 2.[/toggle]Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush on his or her own, continue to brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Flossing
You should floss your teeth at least once a day, every day. Flossing helps remove plaque that is missed during brushing and helps prevent gum disease and cavities.
And don’t forget that children need to floss too! As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing their teeth. Children can usually start flossing themselves by the age of 10 or 11.