What Your Dentist Has Taught You

Your family dentist has most likely given tooth brushing advice to your entire clan. Has everyone been listening? They should be, because this is a fairly simple step individuals can take to make sure their teeth and gums stay in the healthiest shape possible. Parents should model good behavior for their children by brushing often and correctly. Moms and Dads can even give a demonstration for their sons and daughters, and then observe them brushing their own pearly whites. Toddlers and preschoolers will need help with this process in the early years but elementary children should be able to handle it on their own if they've been taught correctly. Here are some things a dentist wants his or her patients to know about this all important daily step to healthy smiles:

1. Brush them twice a day. A minimum of twice a day is recommended by the ADA. This can be done first thing in the morning and last thing before bed or at other times after meals.

2. Remember the 45 degree angle. Holding the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle across all surfaces including the gums will be an effective technique.

3. Don't forget your tongue. One's tongue should also be brushed during the process. Bacteria can accumulate on this organ.

4. Use an approved toothpaste. Using an ADA-approved toothpaste will ensure a healthier result. Look on the label for the approval emblem before purchasing this product.

5. Periodically toss out toothbrushes. Toothbrushes aren't made to last forever. They should be tossed out every couple of months so that they don't accumulate bacteria or have worn-out bristles.

6. Buy soft bristles. Softer bristles on these brushes are better than hard or even medium. Too abrasive of a bristle will be hard on enamel.

7. Floss two times daily. Flossing between the pearly whites is very important. This in-between area is a major culprit in the buildup of plaque and problematic bacteria.

8. Waxed or un-waxed floss? There are two kinds of floss - waxed and without wax. The waxy coating helps the string move easily between the structures and is preferred by many. Some don't care for the waxy type and prefer wax-free. Some flosses even have flavoring such as mint or cinnamon.

9. How much floss at a time? In order to get a good grip of this fiber, a person will need to use 1 ½ feet of it. Wrapping a portion around a finger on each hand and moving the used portion out of the way all through the teeth will get the job done.

10. Rinses: There are some mouthwashes and rinses that are designed to help kill bacteria and keep excessive plaque at bay.

11. Healthy nutrition: Another extremely important part of oral healthcare is eating a healthy diet. Excessive sugar and processed foods are bad for overall wellbeing as well as enamel, gums, and root systems.

Dental wellbeing is a family affair as the children will learn from their parents. Seeing a dentist regularly and adhering to regular brushing and flossing are wise moves for oral health.