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When it comes to protecting your smile against cavities and gum disease, brushing your teeth is one of the most important steps you can take. But in order to get the best clean, it’s important to brush enough. In general, dentists recommend that patients do so at least twice a day for two-minute durations. While it may seem long, this guideline helps ensure that every surface of your teeth is scrubbed clean. To help you keep your whole family’s dental hygiene in check, here are a few other important details about brushing that every person should know.

Should Kids Brush as Much as Adults?

Even if a child only has baby teeth, it’s important for them to follow the same brushing schedule as adults. In addition to protecting against tooth decay and gum disease, following this routine can help kids develop strong oral hygiene habits and recognize the importance of frequent brushing.

What Is the Proper Way to Brush?

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA®-approved toothpaste, scrub the all sides of your teeth in a horizontal motion. Cover every portion of the tooth, up to the gum line. Next, brush up and down to reach in between the tight spaces between teeth. When you’re finished, spit out the toothpaste but avoid doing a complete mouth rinse, as this may wash away beneficial fluoride.

dentistChildren should brush in a similar fashion, but you may need to make adjustments to improve results. For example, kids typically need to use a brush that is smaller than an adult’s in order to maintain a reliable grip. Parents of younger children may also need to spend time assisting with the brushing to ensure everything is cleaned.

What Other Ways Can I Support Oral Hygiene?

Flossing is recommended at least once a day to help remove plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas between the teeth. Rinsing with mouthwash can also help keep cavity-causing bacteria at bay.

In addition to at-home care, it’s also critical to visit a dentist every six months for a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning. During this routine treatment, your dentist will clear away plaque and tartar that standard brushing and flossing cannot remove.

 

When you want to optimize your family’s oral health, look no further than the trusted dental care services of Ronald W. Ristow, DDS. Serving patients of all ages in the Oconto Falls, WI, region, Dr. Ristow is equipped to provide in-depth preventive care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This dentist is also qualified to comfortably detect and treat dental health problems—including cavities, root canal infections, and gum disease. Visit this clinic online to learn more about these comprehensive services or call (920) 846-3163 to schedule a convenient appointment.

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