Brushing, Flossing & Fluoride

Brushing and flossing everyday will keep your teeth and gums healthy. Clean teeth and gums will make you look and feel better. Your breath will be fresher and your smile brighter.

Plaque is a sticky film that collects on your teeth, between your teeth, and under your gums. This plaque contains bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. That's why it is so important to remove the plaque by brushing and flossing. In addition, there are several types of special aids that can be helpful for areas that have large spaces, braces, bridges, implants and for patients that have trouble flossing or brushing. The dental hygienist will give you tips on how to care for your teeth at your cleaning appointments.

How to Brush:
Using a soft bristled toothbrush, hold the brush at a 45 degree angle and gently brush the outer surfaces of all of your teeth using small circular motions. Repeat this on the inner surfaces then brush your tongue. We can assist you in making sure you are using the proper angles and techniques.

Parents need to brush children's teeth until they understand the process and have the needed manual dexterity. This is often until age seven. Then there should be close supervision until age 10 or 11.

We recommend the Sonicare electric toothbrush.

The Use of Toothpaste:
A ‘smear’ of fluoridated toothpaste should be used for children less than 2 years of age and a ‘pea-size’ amount of toothpaste is appropriate for children aged 2 through 5 years. To maximize the beneficial effect of fluoride in the toothpaste, rinsing after brushing should be kept to a minimum or eliminated altogether. Children should use an appropriate size toothbrush with a small brushing surface, should always be supervised while brushing, and taught to spit out, rather than swallow the toothpaste. Stay with the brand name toothpastes and do not buy any made in China.

How to Floss:
Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap the floss Pull the floss tightly into a C shape around the side of your tooth, and slide it under the gum line. Clean the side of the tooth, using an up-and-down motion. The floss will 'tell' you that you have removed all the plaque by squeaking a little as it rubs against your tooth. Repeat the process on both sides of every tooth, using a fresh section of floss each time. It's normal for gums to bleed a bit when you first start flossing. After a week or so of daily flossing, the bleeding should stop. If it doesn't, be sure to let us know. If you have areas that are difficult to clean with floss, you may need to use Superfloss, proxabrush or a floss threader. All are inexpensive and easy to use, and will make flossing hard-to-reach places easier. They are particularly useful under bridges and between the bands and wires on braces.

Ask your dental professional for guidance in selecting the proper product and for instructions on how to use each.

Quick Tips for Busy Parents: Brush Up on Tooth-brushing

Fluoride for Children:

Click here to see the publication from the Chippewa County Department of Public Health