Oral Health and Learning

Prevention Techniques       

BRUSHING:

Toothbrushing should be performed by a parent or adult for all young children. Most children are unable to do perform this vital and necessary task adequately prior to 7 or 8 years of age.

Brushing Technique

1. Use a small, soft toothbrush in good condition. Toothbrushes wear out and should be replaced often. Apply a pea-sized portion of fluoride toothpaste for children who can spit and rinse. Use a non-fluoride toothpaste or plain water for very young children.

2. Position your child facing in the same direction as you are.


3. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Using slightly firm pressure, brush in short circles.

2. Brush the outer surfaces,the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth. To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices.

3. To clean the inside surface of the front teeth, position the brush vertically and use the tip of the brush in circular strokes.

Tip: Use an egg timer or play a favorite song while brushing your teeth to get used to brushing for a full 2 minutes for children ages 5 and up. Some electronic toothbrushes have timers that let you know when 2 minutes are up.

Brushing for very young children may only require less than one minute. Brushing should be done once a day for very young children, twice a day for school aged children, and three times a day for teenagers and adults.

FLOSSING

It is vitally important to clean germs from between the teeth whenever the teeth are in contact. This is best performed by an adult until children are least 8 or 9 years of age. Flossing helps prevent cavities from occurring in between the teeth, and helps prevent gum disease.

Guide to Easy Flossing:

1. Use about 18 inches of floss. (Don’t try to use too short a piece!)
Lay the floss across your open palms.

2. Close your fingers over the floss

3. Turn your palms over and hold the floss with your thumbs and index fingers

4. Rub the floss gently up and down between the teeth, keeping it pressed against one tooth and then the other to clean the teeth on both sides of the point of contact. Don’t jerk or snap the floss which might cut the gums.

Reposition the floss in your hands to use a clean spot as you go around the mouth. While it may be awkward at first, with practice the process will be easy.

Flossing should be done once each day. You’ll know you are doing well when the gums do not bleed any longer. Remember, healthy gums do not bleed!