Our Longmont family dental office is committed to helping our adult and pediatric patients maintain healthy smiles. The best way to prevent cavities is to combine diligent at-home care with professional cleanings at least twice a year. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day fights cavities and prevents bad breath in between professional cleanings. Establishing good brushing habits early in life can help children get into a good oral hygiene routine. Follow these simple tips to help your children establish healthy habits.

Use an appropriately sized toothbrush

It is important that the head of your toothbrush is able to move easily in the mouth, and reach the back molars. Often times children are using toothbrushes that are too large to clean their back teeth, where they may consequently develop cavities. Also avoid stiff or abrasive bristles. These bristles can wear down dental enamel and aggravate gum tissue.

Use efficient brushing technique

Teach your children to brush their teeth in small circular motions. For the tops of teeth use a back and forth motion to reach inside the nooks and crannies of dental enamel. Make sure to brush the front, back, and top of teeth. Have your child imagine his or her mouth divided into four parts—top right, top left, bottom right, bottom left. They should spend approximately 30 seconds brushing each of these quadrants.

And remember, brushing isn’t just for teeth

Every time your brush, remember to pay attention to your tongue and surrounding oral tissue. Thoroughly cleaning these areas is especially important for preventing bad breath. Brush your tongue by moving your toothbrush back on forth on the surface, sides, and bottom of the tongue.

These are great habits to instill in your children, and they may also serve as good reminders for many adults! As always if you’d like to speak to a Longmont family dentist you can give us a call at (303) 776-4229.