How to Properly Brush and Floss Your Teeth

Posted on January 6, 2023

Everyone should practice proper oral hygiene from a young age. Luckily, children’s dentists can help you learn the correct techniques. Like adults, kids should brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to ensure their teeth stay healthy and strong. Read further to learn how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

1. Use The Right Angle

To brush correctly, children should start by angling the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums and using circular motions, gently brushing back and forth along each tooth’s surface. If children are under 10 years old, they won’t need to use a lot of toothpaste. Generally, children up to 3 years only need a smear, and children from 3-6 should use a pea-sized amount.

2. Brush Every Tooth Surface

Kids must brush all of the surfaces of their teeth. That means children should brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of every tooth. If children don’t take the time to brush each one properly and thoroughly, bacteria can linger between or behind teeth, leading to cavities.

3. Don’t Forget To Floss

Flossing is just as important as brushing; everyone should floss once daily. It’s especially important for children because their teeth tend to be closer together, and food can get stuck in between them. According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases affect approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide, children included. So be sure to introduce flossing into their routine from an early age, and children’s dentists can help ensure this is done properly.

4. Rinse with Mouthwash

Mouthwash helps children get rid of any remaining bacteria in their mouth, and children can start using it as soon as they feel comfortable. This should be done after children brush and floss.

5. Use a Good Brush

A children’s dentist would always recommend using a soft-bristled children’s toothbrush and replacing it every three months. Don’t forget to also change children’s brushes if they’ve been sick, as bacteria can linger on the bristles. Once children grow into adolescents, children’s dentists may even recommend children use an electric toothbrush for a deeper clean.

Good oral hygiene is essential for overall health. Children’s dentists can help teach the right techniques and how to properly brush and floss your teeth; like brushing at least twice a day and using the right angles while brushing and flossing daily. As children establish healthy brushing habits, those habits can last into adulthood. Consult with one of our children’s dentists.