Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County I & II
Commack (631) 486-6364
Medford (631) 320-0880

October is National Dental Hygiene Month and as a result, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company are partnering to help raise awareness and promote good oral health. Their four main focuses are brushing twice daily, flossing every day, rinsing with mouthwash and chewing sugar-free gum. Not only are these practices imperative for adults, they are important to teach your children as well.


See below for some tips on the best brushing, flossing, rinsing, and chewing practices and start instilling these habits in your child’s daily dental routines today:


Brushing
  • Follow the rule of 2s. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time you brush. This will help reduce plaque and prevent cavities and gingivitis.
  • Always place your brush‘s bristles along the gum line at a 45-degree angle.
  • Use a back-and-forth rolling motion when brushing.
  • Take some time to brush the tongue from back to front. This will help remove odor-producing bacteria.


Flossing
  • Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush cannot reach.
  • Wrap approximately 18” of floss around your middle fingers and pinch between your thumbs and index fingers.
  • Guide the floss between your teeth using a zig-zag motion.
  • Always floss each tooth with a clean, fresh section of floss.


Rinsing
  • Use an anti-microbial mouth rinse daily to prevent gingivitis. Brushing and flossing alone will not eliminate all plaque and germs.
  • Discuss with your dental hygienist which mouth rinse is right for you or your child.


Chewing
  • Chew sugar-free gum to help fight tooth decay.
  • Chewing gum after eating a meal can help fight cavities, neutralize plaque acids, and remineralize enamel to strengthen teeth.


For additional brushing, flossing, rinsing, or chewing practices, see the ADHA’s website. Once again, we’d like to stress the importance of teaching your children proper dental hygiene at a young age so they continue to practice proper techniques and maintain healthy smiles as they grow. To schedule an appointment with us, visit our website or give us a call today!