Home Hygiene
How do you keep your teeth at their best between visits? Follow
a few easy tips from the pros.
Oral Health
The American Dental Association recommends:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted
fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or
four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn
toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental
cleaner. Decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth
where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove
plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under
the gum line.
- Eat a balanced
diet and limit
between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings
and oral exams.
Special Tips for Kids
- Begin brushing your baby’s teeth with water as soon as
they appear. (Check with your dentist about using toothpaste
before age 2.)
- Supervise brushing of kids 2 and up to make sure they
use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and do not swallow
it. Children should be taught to spit out toothpaste and
rinse their mouths with water afterwards.
- Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day.
- Begin flossing between teeth as soon as any two teeth
are touching.
- Provide a well-balanced diet, limit snacks between meal,
and plan regular dental visits for your child.
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