Brush 2min2x

Help your kids brush their teeth 2min2x – 2 minutes each time, 2 times a day – for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities, and to avoid painful dental problems. The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives recommends that you help or watch over your kids’ brushing until they’re 8. Children 2 or older should always use a fluoride toothpaste.

The Right Toothbrush

• Kids should use a soft toothbrush.  The size and shape of the brush should allow them to reach all areas of their mouth.
• Replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months, sooner if the bristles are worn out or if your children have been sick.

Attack Plaque!

• Plaque is a sticky film of germs that forms on teeth and gums after eating. Plaque that’s not removed by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can lead to cavities.

Tooth To-Dos

• Encourage your kids to brush with fluoride toothpaste.
• Use a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste for kids ages 2-6, and use slightly more when they’re older.
• Teach them to spit out the toothpaste when they’re done so they don’t swallow it.
• For kids under age 2, just use a soft toothbrush and a little water; no toothpaste is necessary.
• Help your kids place the toothbrush at an angle against their gums.
• Make sure they move the brush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.
• Help them brush the front, back, and top of teeth.
• Teach them to brush their tongue to remove germs and freshen breath.

Reference: www.2min2x.org/kids-healthy-mouths

When Was Your Last Dental Cleaning?

You water the garden three times a week, you change your car’s oil every three months, and you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year. Your teeth need to see your dentist on a regular schedule, too.

While daily oral hygiene habits are essential to good oral health, professional dental cleanings at our office ensure your teeth are treated to a deeper level of cleaning. We recommend for most of our patients to have a checkup at least every six months. In addition to a thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth, these regular visits help us detect and prevent the onset of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. During your visit, we’ll check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. We’ll also check old fillings and restorations, as these can wear away over time from constant chewing, grinding, or clenching.

If you are predisposed to oral diseases, you may need to visit our office more often than every six months. Factors at play in these diseases include age, pregnancy, tobacco use, medical conditions (such as diabetes, dry mouth, or HIV infection), along with how well you take care of your teeth on a daily basis.

Make sure your teeth get the professional attention they deserve – If you’re overdue for your next cleaning, check with our office to schedule an appointment!

Happy 4th of July!

Now that the 4th of July and summer are here, we know you all are starting to make big plans for vacations and trips! The summer months can be a busy time for a lot of our patients, and we know how hectic your lives can be! Just be sure to remember keep up with your dental health care and your appointments with our practice!

During the summer, there are also a lot of foods and beverages that we all love to enjoy, but often these treats can damage our teeth. Sugary foods and drinks can be harmful to your dental health, so stay diligent by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once!

We look forward to hearing all about your plans for the summer, and be sure to take lots of pictures that you can share with us on Facebook! Stay safe, have fun, and brush and floss your teeth!