The key to brushing and flossing is consistency. But even kids and adults who brush their teeth daily, use the right toothpaste, and make sure to floss, can still have issues at the dentist. It can be frustrating for kids who brush and floss every day to find out they still have a cavity or there is another issue with their teeth. That is why it is so important for children to understand how they can improve their oral habits beyond just being consistent. When you schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, your dentist should teach you better brushing and flossing techniques. Here are a few techniques to keep in mind.
One common mistake made by both adults and kids is to not brush their teeth long enough. It is recommended that brushing takes longer than two minutes. If you just quickly brush your teeth in thirty seconds and then move on with your day, you might not be cleaning your teeth properly. Make sure to brush for a full two minutes every time, and make sure to get all sides of your teeth. Some people use timers or listen to music to ensure they brush long enough.
Another important aspect of dental health is replacing your toothbrush on a monthly basis. Even if you brush daily, if your toothbrush is too old, it will not be effective. Aside from changing the toothbrush on a monthly basis, be aware of when the bristles begin to fray and look duller over time.
When you floss your teeth it is important to floss both teeth on either side of the crevice. Once the floss is against the gumline, you want to rub it against both teeth to remove any plaque or food that is stuck. You want to move the floss around before you remove it from the crevice and move on to the next pair of teeth.
If your child notices issues with their teeth or gums, including pain, bleeding, or similar problems. You should schedule a dental appointment sooner rather than later. The longer dental problems persist, the more damage they can do to your teeth. That is why it is important to see a dentist so they can help correct the problem and give tips to your children on how to prevent future issues.
For more tips on how to improve brushing/flossing, you should set up an appointment to meet our dentists and hygienists. They can help kids improve their techniques as well as demonstrate them for your kids.
