TXK 411
How To Brush Your Teeth
Developing good brushing habits at an early age is important for your child's dental health and overall health. To give your child a healthy start, take time to have them brush their teeth twice a day. The best times to brush are after breakfast and at night before bed. Kids are usually ready to brush on their own by age seven or eight.
- Smear a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on your toothbrush (not a lot; just a dot.)
- Use a timer and brush for at least two minutes.
- Start with the outer surfaces of your teeth and the gums around the teeth. Take your time and gently brush your upper and lower teeth in a circular motion. Going tooth by tooth can help you slow down and not miss any spots.
- Brush the inner surface of your teeth. Use a 45° angle to brush back and forth to clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.
- Clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Do not forget to use short back and forth strokes to brush the tops of your back teeth, where food can easily get trapped.
- Brush your tongue. For fresher breath, brush your tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria.
- Spit when done.
October is Dental Hygiene Awareness Month
Model, Webb Orr
