BRUSHING
- Infants–Brush without toothpaste for 3-4
days. Introduce toothpaste (pea-size amount). Make sure they
like the flavor of the toothpaste.
- Young Children– Brush lying down.
If your child won't cooperate, then try leaning them back
at first. Please insist that your child be still with their
hands on their tummy so you can clean the teeth well. If
you can see the tooth you can clean it, if you can't see
it, it probably won't get cleaned well.
- Older Children–Brush and check in the
mirror. Then brush away anything missed on the first dry.
FLOSSING
Floss (using floss or a floss helper) by gently going
through the contact and cleaning both sides of the teeth in
contact. Usually young children only need back molar teeth
flossed. Try to spend about 60 seconds each day as you get
faster you will clean more areas.
TOPICAL FLUORIDE
Prescription strength topical fluoride gel or toothpaste
should be used once a day by applying a small amount to toothbrush
and massaging in areas of possible decay. Do this preferably
at night before bed with nothing to eat or drink afterwards.
The fluoride strengthens the teeth and will interfere with the
strep mutans (cavity causing bacteria). Remember not to rinse
out, just spit.
SNACKS
Watch out for frequent snacking–cavity activity last
for 30 minutes after each snack so rinse with water, or brush
after each snack.
CHEWING GUM
If your child likes to chew gum, we recommend gum with Xylitol–this
ingredient has been proved to actually clean teeth and starve
the strep mutans bacteria. Dental Care, Children's Trident, Carefree
Koolerz and Sugar Free Bubble Tape are examples of over the counter
gums with Xylitol. However, stay away from extreme or sour flavors. |
