Common Brushing Mistakes

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

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Are you brushing your teeth the right way?  We want to help kids develop the good habits from a young age.  Brushing your teeth correctly can help prevent cavities and gum disease, keeping your child’s smile beautiful for a long time to come.  Set a good example and help your kids brush their teeth correctly.

Don’t make these common brushing mistakes:

• Choose the Right Toothbrush – Consider the size of your mouth.  If your kid is straining to brush their teeth, the brush is probably too big.  Make sure they have a comfortable handle so that they can brush properly.  Choose a brush with soft bristles that will not aggravate the gums.
• Brush Frequently – Make sure your kids are brushing twice a day for at least two minutes.  Most kids (and adults!) don’t brush as long as they should.  Try brushing to a song, fun timer, or TV show.
• Brush Correctly – Brush at a 45-degree angle in short strokes.  Aggressive brushing and aggravate the gums.  Don’t forget to brush the inside of the teeth too!
• Storage – Rinse your toothbrush after each use and allow it to dry.  This will help keep bacteria away from your brush.
• New Brush – Remember to buy a new toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles look frayed.

Call Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove if you have any questions about how you can better care for your kid’s smile health.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office and 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.