Dental Hygiene Routine Brush Up

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you a brushing expert?  It’s important to help your kids develop good brushing and flossing routines at a young age! Here are a few brushing tips for you and your kids.

Brushing Tips:

• Toothbrush Choice – Let your kids pick their own toothbrush!  If they like their brush, they are more likely to remember to use it every day.
• Toothpaste – Children only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.  Just make sure that it has at least 1,000 parts per million of fluoride.
• Timing – Make sure that you are brushing your teeth for two minutes!  Try using a timer or download an app on your phone to keep time.
• Where to Brush – Clean the biting surface, the outside surface next to the cheeks and the inside surface next to the tongue. Do this for both the upper and lower teeth.  Brush in gentle circles and avoid scrubbing the teeth. 

For more tips on how to develop a great brushing routine, check out this article or contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

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photo credit: John Federico via photopin cc

Don’t Make These Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Good oral health habits are essential for all parents and kids.  However, many people don’t always go about their smile cleaning routines properly.  Are you making any of these common oral hygiene mistakes?

Oral Hygiene Mistakes:

• Brushing for Too Long – You should always brush your teeth thoroughly, but brushing them too roughly or for too long can actually be bad for your gums and tooth enamel.  We recommend brushing for two minutes!
• Brushing After Meals – You should wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating.  This gives your saliva time to neutralize any acids that eat away at the enamel on your teeth.
• Hard Bristled Toothbrushes – Choose a toothbrush with a soft bristles and don’t forget to replace it every three months or when it becomes worn.
• Forgetting to Floss – So many of us forget about the importance of flossing every day.  Most plaque actually builds in areas your toothbrush can’t reach, in between your teeth.
• Poor Diet – Drinking water, avoiding sweets that dissolve slowly in your mouth, and staying away from foods high in starch are all good habits for healthy teeth.
• Avoiding Check-Ups – Bi-annual cleanings are one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth free of decay.  An exam can help identify any problems before they begin to seriously affect your smile health.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry ofGarden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how you can improve your smile care or to schedule your child’s bi-annual cleaning and exam.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.