Brushing
Dr. Molly Gunsaulis encourages parents to brush their child's teeth. A child can brush their own teeth once they master tying shoe laces by themselves. Once a child can do this they have developed the proper hand-eye coordination, and parents only have to supervise from here on out.
Dr. Gunsaulis knows that providing dental care at home is not easy with every child. Don't lose heart, we can guide you through this process and we routinely give parents tricks that make them say:
- What a good idea
- I know that will work
- Why didn't I think of that before
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. If your child is under age two or can't yet spit the toothpaste out after brushing, use a smear of toothpaste which just covers the edges of the bristles and is difficult to see after applying. Once a child is able to spit toothpaste out you may use enough toothpaste to equal the size of a green pea. When you brush your child's teeth, move the brush in small circular motions to reach food particles that may be under the gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly, covering all areas between teeth. Always brush in circles, and never in a back-and-forth motion or a side-to-side motion.
Brush your child's teeth at least two times a day to avoid the build-up of food particles and plaque:
- In the morning
- Right before bedtime
Replace your child's toothbrush at least every 3 months or as soon as the bristles start to wear of fray. It is important to carefully brush and floss daily for optimal oral hygiene and to prevent tooth decay.
Flossing
For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush can't reach, dental floss is used to remove food particles and plaque. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. Once Dr. Gunsaulis has examined your child's mouth she can recommend what age you will need to start flossing your child's teeth. When your child has reached this critical age, it will be very important to floss once every day.
Pull a length of floss from the dispenser that is comfortable to wrap around both middle fingers with enough room between to reach all teeth. Guide the floss between all teeth to the gum line, pulling out any food particles or plaque. Unwrap clean floss from around your fingers as you go, so that you have used the floss from beginning to end when you are finished. Floss behind all of your child's back teeth, too.
"Why Baby Teeth are Important Video"
You may floss your child's teeth anytime during the day, but it is best to floss about the same time everyday in order to create a habit. When you first begin flossing, your child's gums may bleed. Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis and it is important to continue brushing and flossing this area. If the bleeding does not go away with continued brushing and flossing, let us know.