Brushing and Flossing

November 22, 2009

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Brushing and Flossing

by Amy A. Napierala, D.D.S.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Encouraging your child to adopt a daily routine of oral care, good eating habits and regular dental checkups often can prevent most common dental problems. Brushing and flossing, in particular, are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

The purpose of brushing and flossing
The main purpose of brushing and flossing is to remove food and plaque, a clear, sticky film that adheres to teeth. Bacteria present in plaque produce acids when exposed to sugar. These acids will attack the outer surface of your child's tooth (the enamel) and gradually break it down, causing a cavity. If the plaque is not removed, it eventually will turn into a hardened material called tartar or calculus.

Calculus can cause your child's gum tissue to become puffy and irritated, and sometimes even to bleed. If left untreated, it eventually can lead to bone loss and gum disease (periodontal disease). Once calculus forms, you can no longer brush it off and it has to be removed at the dentist's office (that's the scraping with the pick you probably enjoy so much at your own dental visits).

Brushing and flossing techniques
Ideally, your child should floss daily and brush his teeth for two minutes twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime. The most important aspect of any brushing technique is to thoroughly clean all four surfaces of each tooth (inner, outer, chewing surfaces, and in between the teeth). Dental floss cleans in between the teeth and along the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach. Although your child may experience some bleeding from the gum tissue when you brush his teeth or floss, this usually subsides within one week of good oral care.

Here are some tips for keeping your young child's smile bright:

Brush his teeth-and eventually teach him to brush his own teeth--using gentle circular, or short back-and-forth, strokes with the brush at a 45-degree angle along the gum line.

Don't forget to brush his tongue. It, too, can harbor plaque and food debris.

When flossing, gently insert the floss between his teeth with a gentle back-and-forth, or sawing, motion. Then slide it up and down along the sides of each tooth.

If you're having problems fitting your fingers inside his little mouth, try tying the floss in a circle or using a floss holder.


RELATED INFORMATION

			The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
			Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
			Dental Care

Created December 20, 2000
Reviewed December 21, 2000

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