Brush with your child – Stand next to your child in front of the bathroom mirror and brush together. It’s a nice time together, and your child can mimic your brushing technique.
Brush as part of a bedtime routine – Kids thrive on routine. Have your kids brush their teeth right before story time. Some nights you might include a book that is about taking care of teeth or visiting the dentist.
Use cute toothbrushes – Let your kids pick out a toothbrush that they like that is their size. They will feel like they have a say in their tooth care. There are lots of cute and fun kids’ toothbrushes that are available in stores now. Be sure to pick one that is small enough for your child to hold comfortably, with a small, round head, and very soft polished bristles. You’ll have to replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months (more often for preschoolers who tend to chew as they brush!) For babies, a soft finger toothbrush is easy for you to use.
Use flavored toothpastes that kids like - There are many kid toothpastes with fun flavors like bubble gum, sparkle fun, and even Super Hero Action toothpastes for them to choose from.
Count teeth as you brush – Count out loud as you brush each tooth: “Tooth number one is all clean! Tooth number two is all clean! Here comes tooth number three!” This is entertaining for your child and good practice for counting.
Bring a friend – At bedtime kids may want to bring a special stuffed animal or toy into the bathroom to watch as they brush.
Tell a story – Kids love hearing special stories again and again. Try making up a special short story your only tell during teeth brushing-time.
Make a sticker poster – hang a bright piece of construction paper on the bathroom wall. Each time your child has a thorough brushing he or she can choose a star or a sticker and put it on the poster.
Make up a silly song to sing every time your child is brushing his or her teeth. Have them hum along.
Tips for Adults
You should brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.
Gums should not bleed upon brushing. This is an indication of periodontal disease. Your dentist should do a through exam to evaluate the extent of the disease and prescribe an appropriate regimen.
Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride mouth rinses strengthen the teeth and can help prevent decay at all ages.
If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, rinse you mouth with water.
Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue.
Fun Dental Facts
Over the course of a lifetime, the average American will spend 38.5 days total brushing their teeth.
73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping then floss their teeth.
Adults with post high school degrees have on average 3 more teeth than those with out high school diplomas.
Smokers are three times more likely to loose all of their teeth than non smokers.
Employed adults loose more than 164 million hours of work each year due to oral health issues or dental visits.
Americans spend $2 billion a year on Halloween candy, enough to fund the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for six years.
Americans spend $2 billion a year on dental products toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
94% of Americans brush their teeth nightly; 81% brush first thing in the morning.
In an average lifetime, a person produces 10,000 gallons of saliva.
Like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue is different.
More than 300 types of bacteria make up dental plaque.
More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones.
A toothpick is the most common item choked on by Americans.
Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from the toilet to avoid airborne particles. Eeeew!
60% of people do not know that a sore jaw, when combined with chest pain, can signal a heart attack – especially in women.
Children smile about 400 times a day, women 62 times, and men 8 times a day on average.
Dr. Moore's knowledge, patience and kindness have been nothing other than extraordinary; you'd have a difficult time finding a better dentist.
