In addition to taking your children to the family dentist twice a year, it’s crucial to instill good brushing habits from an early age. Proper brushing removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque, and it prevents premature enamel wear and gum disease. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep your kids smiling beautifully.

Do:

Brush for two minutes twice a day. 

Ensure everyone in your family brushes their teeth for two minutes twice a day with a timer or tooth brushing song. Each mouth quadrant should receive 30 seconds of brushing time to eliminate as much bacteria and plaque as possible.

Use a soft-bristled brush.

Always provide your kids with soft-bristled toothbrushes, and avoid aggressive brushing. Gentle brushing will prevent the enamel—the protective outer shell covering each tooth—from wearing down. Aggressive brushing also harms gum tissue, leading to recession.

Encourage proper storage. 

Set an example for the kids by always storing your toothbrush upright and away from other objects to prevent bacteria growth. Use a toothbrush holder that’s built into the wall so each brush has its own storage space for quick drying.

Don’t:

Brush too soon after eating. 

Teach the children to wait 20 to 30 minutes after eating to brush, especially after consuming acidic foods and beverages. Waiting periods give saliva time to neutralize food acids so they don’t get brushed into teeth. Your kids should still rinse with water immediately after eating so acids do not coat the teeth and gums.

Forget to replace the brush. 

To avoid bacteria exposure, replace the family’s toothbrushes every three months or any time someone gets sick. Also, replace brushes if their bristles become flat or frayed, as they will not do their job effectively.

Swallow toothpaste.

Demonstrate spitting out toothpaste to younger children so they follow suit. Watch them brush until you are confident they won’t swallow the paste, which can lead to fluoride poisoning symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. 

The family dentists at Dental Arts help patients of all ages maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. Offering two locations and convenient hours, including Saturdays, these family dentists strive to get patients in as soon as possible and have served Nassau and Suffolk counties, NY, since 2012. Financing is also available. Call (631) 591-9200 to reach the Huntington Station location or (631) 643-3800 to contact the Wyandanch location. Learn more about the practice online, and like their Facebook for additional dental care tips.