Dental Hygiene
Once your permanent teeth have grown in, it is important that they stay healthy, because they are the only teeth you get. Most of you may already be brushing your teeth twice a day, but do you floss on a regular basis? Follow the links below to see what more you can be doing to protect your teeth.
Choosing a Toothbrush
Take a look at your toothbrush at home. Is it small enough to fit into your hand and mouth? Are the bristles soft? When you buy a toothbrush, make sure the bristle strength is soft. You should also replace your toothbrush once the bristles are all worn down. Don’t forget, as you get bigger you also need a bigger toothbrush.
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Choosing a Toothpaste
When brushing your teeth, you really only need to use a pea-sized dropped of toothpaste for it to be effective. The toothpaste you use should have fluoride in it. Fluoride helps to prevent breakdown of tooth structure from the bacteria that are in our mouth.
Brushing regularly helps to prevent the build up of bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease and breaks down the plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth throughout the day, preventing cavities and gum disease.
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Brushing Your Teeth
To start, wet your toothbrush slightly and add a pea-sized drop of toothpaste in the middle of all the bristles. Point the bristles of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle into your gums and gently massage your gums in a circular motion. Be sure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth: the front, the back and the top of each tooth.
After brushing all the teeth, softly scrub the roof of your mouth and your tongue. Rinse out your mouth with water and be sure to spit out all of the liquid in your mouth to get rid of all the germs.
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Flossing
Dental floss is a string that pulls out excess food and plaque from between your teeth. Flossing helps keep your teeth healthy. If you haven’t flossed your teeth before, have an adult show you how to do it properly. Use it gently as your gums are sensitive, and try to do it every day.
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Conquering Plaque
Plaque is a sticky film that can cover your teeth after you eat, or even during the night. While plaque itself isn’t a big problem, when mixed with the sugars in your diet, it can cause holes in your teeth called cavities. The best prevention is to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. However, if you eat a very sugary lunch one day, try to fit an extra brushing in to help protect your teeth. If you can’t brush your teeth, rinse your mouth with water.
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