JUST DO IT, RIGHT! 2X A DAY:)
Happy “Tooth-Day”!
Farah Flossit here,…wishing you well on this fine day!
Sometimes what we perceive to be the most obvious, is not really all that clear. I’m always stressing the importance about BRUSHING & FLOSSING, but do we really know how to do it right? Moms & Dads know that their kids need to brush & floss to prevent cavities & to have good oral hygiene, but do we actually show our children how to do it right from the start? I’m reporting today so that I can help all caregivers create good habits early on. Lets go over some basics that we should already know before we go over the proper steps for brushing & flossing right.
1. Use a good toothbrush. Kids should use a soft toothbrush. The size & shape of the brush should allow them to reach all areas of their mouth.
2. Replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months, sooner if the bristles are worn out or if your children have been sick.
3. Brush at least 2x a day for 2 minutes.
4. Use a fluoride toothpaste as soon as your child can learn to spit after brushing.
5. In a perfect world, floss everyday!
*Start with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (non-fluoride if your child does not spit yet) on a soft bristled brush.
*Angle the bristles about 45 degrees to the gums & gently massage the gums & teeth in little circles.
*Don’t forget to brush all the surfaces!
*Once you have brushed all surfaces of your teeth & gums, gently brush your tongue from back to front.
*Rinse & spit.
*If your child has teeth that are touching, be sure to floss around each side of the teeth.
As you continue to brush & floss with your child, it will become second nature to do it right! Don’t forget to always make it fun by putting on some music or come up with your own jingle. Visit http://2min2x.org/ for some cool & encouraging videos & ideas to keep your kids interested in keeping their teeth clean & happy. Below you will find a printable & helpful chart that you can use to reward your child every week for having good oral hygiene.
Below you will find a great video to show your kiddos about how to brush right!:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy8JurvYlH4&feature=player_detailpage
Printable coloring activity to reinforce brushing right!
Remember that practice makes perfect! The more you practice brushing & flossing the better you’ll do it & the easier it will get. One of the best ways to prevent tooth decay is to get your children enthusiastic about daily dental hygiene. It is our job to make brushing & flossing fun. Look for toothpaste with fluoride that may appeal to your kids with yummy flavors, cool colors, & familiar characters. Now that you know how to show your kids the proper technique, they can be on their way to be free of those sneaky Mouth Monsters. You can count on me, Farah Flossit, to continue sharing helpful & fun tips & tools to keep your kiddos’ smiles healthy & happy!
Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!
I look forward to chatting with you all next week!
In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.
Your Friend,
Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)
