How to Brush and Floss

More detailed information on cleaning teeth and gums can be found at the American Dental Association website.  

We recommend that you begin daily brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts. Before age 2, use fluoride free toothpaste. A small rice-grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough to not swallow it.

By age 10, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day, with adult supervision to make sure they are doing a thorough job. However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether the child has the skill level to brush properly on their own.

Proper brushing removes bacteria-filled plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of teeth.

When teaching children to brush, place toothbrush at a 45 degree angle; start along gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion.

Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.

Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Begin flossing when any two teeth touch together.  

Flossing requires good dexterity so you may wish to floss the child’s teeth until about age 10. A flossing tool available in drug stores is extremely useful and recommended.

Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between the teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance.

Gently scrape the floss up and down against the side of the tooth. Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Remember this is essentially brushing between your teeth so don’t forget the backs of the last four teeth.