Proper home care starts with brushing the teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. When brushing, you want to make sure you brush the teeth and the gums in a circular motion with the brush head, so that bacterial plaque is cleaned from the teeth and from under the gums. In addition to brushing, it is also very important to floss at least once daily. Flossing needs to occur as soon as the teeth establish contacts between them. This can start as early as eruption of the first two baby teeth, but is more commonly started between the ages of 2 and 3 years old when the molars establish contacts in the back of the mouth. Mouth rinses can also be included (antiseptic, antibacterial, and/or fluoride), but it is recommended you discuss this with your dentist to determine the best plan of action for your child. It is also important to change your brush regularly so it does an effective job in facilitating proper oral hygiene and doesn’t harbor unneeded or unwanted bacteria from previous sickness or prolonged usage.
Home dental care is an important component in keeping your mouth healthy, however, it is also highly important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Without professional inspection of the oral cavity, problems could arise without knowing about them. The sooner we catch a problem, the more likely we are to be able to identify the problem and treat it accordingly. Contact us today at (615)-614-2424 if you are interested in setting up a new patient examination and learning more about the proper way to care for your child’s teeth.
