Patient Resources

Preventative Care

Preventive dental care is important throughout life, especially at a young age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with the dentist, your child can help keep her smile bright and healthy for years to come. Here are a few simple ways to prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:

  • Make sure your child brushes her teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Be sure she brushes the top surface of her tongue to remove any extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep her breath fresh!
  • Make sure your child cleans between her teeth by flossing at least once a day. She can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen her breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
  • Make sure your child eats a balanced diet and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your child’s smile healthy.
  • Remember to schedule regular checkups with your child’s dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
  • Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
  • If your child plays sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your child’s smile.

If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment!

Brushing Instructions

It is important to brush your teeth properly for the best preventative care. Follow these instructions for best results.

Brushing Step 1 - Small Amount of Toothpaste

Brushing: Step 1

Use a small amount of toothpaste.
Brush Step 2 - Brush the Outer Surface in a Circular Motion

Brushing: Step 2

Brush the outside surface of all teeth using a circular motion.
Brush Step 3 - Brush Outer Surface Up & Down

Brushing: Step 3

Brush the outer surface of all teeth using up and down motion.
Brush Step 4 - Repeat for Inner Surface

Brushing: Step 4

Repeat for inner surface of all teeth.
Brush Step 5 - Brush Chewing Surface

Brushing: Step 5

Brush the chewing surface of all teeth.
Brush Step 6 - Brush the Tongue

Brushing: Step 6

Brush the tongue.
Brush Step 7 - Rinse Mouth with Water

Brushing: Step 7

Rinse our your mouth using water.
Brush Step 8 - Congragulations

Brushing: Step 8

Congragulations!

Flossing Instructions

Flossing is an important part of preventative dental care. It’s also important that it is done correctly for best results. Follow these instructions below:

Flossing Step #1

Flossing: Step 1

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.
Flossing Step #2

Flossing: Step 2

Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Flossing Step #3

Flossing: Step 3

Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Flossing Step #4

Flossing: Step 4

Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

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