How To Brush Your Teeth

WHY talk about how to brush and floss your teeth?

Think of it as 'preventative medicine' to help your teeth last a lifetime, as they were designed to do. Brushing and flossing isn't complicated and just takes a few minutes each day. --(SEE VIDEO BELOW)

PLUS for those redheads and their families out there, people are already noticing you and your gorgeous hair so be sure your smile is a winner too!

(1) Brush twice a day.
Brush in the morning and then especially before bed at the end of the day, after eating. Get that food off the teeth BEFORE bedtime. Brushing your teeth removes that nasty plaque from the tooth surfaces and is vital for good dental hygiene.

-- How To Brush:

• The recommended way to brush is to use a soft brush.
• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gumline and move it in a circular motion, gently.
• Do this on the insides, outsides and chewing surfaces for all your teeth.
• Don?t forget your tongue!...What? Yep, brushing your tongue helps removed icky bacteria and gives you fresher breath.

-- Electric toothbrushes: They do feel nice and massage the gums. Some even have little timers that beep for each section of teeth you brush. Bottom line?....Check with your dentist. They are good for some people who have poor dexterity and problems using their hands. Some dentists like them but some feel manual brushing works better.

-- Toothpaste: It's not 100% necessary to use toothpaste in order to clean the teeth. There are pros and cons to this and is personal preference. Many stores now carry 'natural' toothpastes with fewer chemicals, some fluoride-free and other formulas. Read labels. Be aware that TODDLERS SHOULD NOT SWALLOW fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash, as too much fluoride can cause problems.

(2) Floss once a day.
Flossing really only takes about 1 minute and is SO important! A toothbrush can't reach those small spaces in between teeth but floss can. Floss removes the plaque that causes decay along the gums and in between teeth. An important dental hygiene step!

-- How to floss: It's easy!

• Find some floss you like (try different flavors and thicknesses).
• Pull out about 12 inches or so and wind each end around the middle fingers of both hands.
• Then, hold the floss between the thumbs and forefingers. Just use a small back-and-forth motion to "saw" the floss carefully between the teeth.
• Don?t slam it down onto your gums.
• Then curve the floss around each tooth gently and scrape the floss against the tooth.
• Pull it out carefully straight up or let one end slide through.
• Cleaning the back teeth is very important so don?t forget those!

A grownup or your dentist/dental hygienist can show you how too. It's really easy and only takes 1 minute. Doing this can prevent a lot of cavities and problems later so it's worth it. Don't be lazy about dental hygiene....

IF YOU'RE SAYING AACK! --- "I NEED MORE HELP" -- Here's an excellent Video with great info. for BOTH kids and parents and worth watching by "The Drs." TV show. (Unfortunately, there is a short 10-second ad popup at beginning but then video starts...If other ads popup at bottom of screen, just click on the little 'X' at upper right corner of ad to exit it.)

Ideas on how to MAKE BRUSHING FUN include:

• Pick out a colorful fun toothbrush
• Use a soft fingerbrush for babies and don't force it
• If you use toothpaste, find a fun, easy brand to use and tastes okay. (Be sure to find a fluoride-free paste for toddlers so it's okay if they accidentally swallow it. Oragel makes different flavors. Too much fluoride can cause problems..)
• Sing silly songs (make up words to old favorites)
• Brush and floss WITH your child so they can watch you
• Count each tooth as each is brushed
• Bring a 'brushing buddy' -- favorite toy or stuffed animal/doll to watch or join in
• Use a Brushing/Flossing poster or chart to fill in
• Make up silly stories about teeth
• Find books about teeth and brushing (library/bookstores)- Check out my "Shopping Mall" page for ideas.

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