Follow these simple guidelines to help keep your children smiling:
Place a small amount of toothpaste – no bigger than a pea – on the toothbrush.
Start by cleaning the chewing surfaces using short, back-and-forth strokes.
For the outer tooth surfaces, place the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.
Use gentle short strokes, moving the brush back and forth against the teeth and gums. Do this also for the inner tooth surfaces.
To clean the inner tooth surfaces, hold the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the lip of the brush
Make sure the gumline and the back teeth are cleaned thoroughly.
Dentists recommend brushing twice a day for 2 minutes.
To help you achieve healthy teeth and gums, you and your children should:
Eat a good diet and avoid frequent sugary snacks. Sweet sticky foods, like lollies, are especially bad for teeth because they stick to the teeth and promote decay.
Visit the dentist twice a year. A dentist or hygienist can remove the plaque build-up and tartar, check for cavities and ensure that your whole mouth is healthy.
Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months, as recommended by dentists. Research shows that a worn toothbrush is less effective at cleaning than a new one.
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