Brush up on Brushing
Proper brushing is the first step in maintaining healthy teeth and gums and only requires about two minutes. Here is an example of an effective way to brush:
- For the outer tooth surfaces, place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle toward the gumline
- Use gentle, short strokes, moving the brush back and forth against the teeth and gums
- Use its same motion to clean the chewing and inner tooth surfaces
- To clean the inner front tooth surfaces, hold the brush upright and use gentle up and down strokes with the tip of the brush
- Don’t forget to brush along the gumline and make sure you reach those teeth right at the back
- And while you are at it give your tongue a brushing it will help keep your breath fresh!
Flossing it is as important as brushing
After you are brushed the fronts, backs and tops of your teeth, you need to get between them to get to areas beyond the reach of your toothbrush. Did you know if you don’t floss you are living as much as 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched and uncleaned?
How to floss:
- Take about 18 inches of floss and loosely wrap most of it around each middle finger, leaving an inch of floss in between
- With your thumbs and index fingers holding the floss taut, gently slide it down between your teeth, while being careful not to snap it down on your gums
- Curve the floss around each tooth in a “c” shape and gently move it up and down the sides of each tooth, including under the gumline
- Unroll a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth
When you first start out, your gums may bleed this is quite common. It may be a sign that you have some form of gum disease. After a few days of flossing the bleeding should stop as your gums become healthier. If bleeding persists, consult your dentist or hygienist.
Got kids? Started early!
Healthy teeth are key to a healthy childhood. Kids need them for chewing, proper digestion, speaking clearly and looking good. And thanks to advances in dentistry and oral-b and Braun oral- b dental healthcare products, today’s children are more likely than ever to grow up with strong, cavity free teeth.
However, it is important to recognize that the oral care needs of your child evolve dramatically as their teeth and gums develop and change, and as their dexterity improves. Here are some tips to help you with each stage of your child’s development.
A dental timetable for children at each stage
Stage 1: Babies first teeth 4-24 months
- Even before they have teeth, infants should have their gums cleaned. Use a gauze pad or infant washcloth after feedings and before bedtime
- Start brushing your baby’s teeth when the first one appears
- Children should first go to the dentist sometime between the eruption of their first tooth and their first birthday
- Avoid putting your baby to bed with his or her bottle
Stage 2: Little kids learning to brush 2-4 years
- By the time your child is three years old, he or she should have a complete set of 20 baby teeth
- Around age three child should be learning to brush using a simple brushing technique- such as a small circular brushing motion. However make sure you brush for them afterward to ensure their teeth and gums are properly cleaned
- Use only a pea sized amount of children’s fluoride toothpaste, and teach them to spit out excess paste so they don’t swallow it
Stage 3: more independent brushers 5-7 years
- While your child is becoming more independent, brushing still needs supervision. Brushing together creates a consistent and fun environment for brushing
- Encourage him or her to brush at least twice a day for two minutes, concentrating on the chewing surfaces and back teeth, where cavities often first develop.
- Children’s first permanent molars erupt in the back of the mouth at around age six
Stage 4:Pre-teens with a mixture of primary and permanent teeth – 8years and up
- Brushing should be supervised until the child has developed good brushing habits- even then there should be parental reinforcement
- The process of replacing primary teeth with permanent teeth can create challenges for your child. Gums are often tender and there are often gaps and tight spaces present, which can be difficult to clean properly. It is also the period in which orthodontic braces may be fitted. Make sure your child is brushing thoroughly.
- By 12 or 13, your child will have 28 of their 32 permanent teeth. The wisdom teeth may erupt from around age 16