State-of-the-Art Pediatric Dental Care MANHATTAN PEDIATRIC
DENTAL GROUP, PC
     
 
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Hygiene
 
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Brushing and flossing are important in the removal of plaque and the bacteria that can be harmful to the teeth and gums. A toothbrush of the appropriate size should be used with soft bristles. The brush should be checked periodically and replaced when worn to assure that effectiveness is maintained. Daily brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts into the mouth. A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used starting at 2 years of age. Young children should be monitored closely for appropriate amounts of toothpaste in order to avoid ingestion in large amounts. Patterns should be established early for morning and before bed brushing. After meal and snack brushings should be encouraged especially when the foods contain retentive sugars or carbohydrates.

 

By age 5 or 6, children should be able to brush their own teeth, but with supervision. There are various techniques in brushing, but the simplest is to place the toothbrush against the gums and move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes. All the surfaces of the teeth must be cleaned which include the outer, inner and chewing surface of the back teeth. Some children can benefit from a powered toothbrush that may help them be more effective, however supervision is essential to make certain that adequate time and effort are employed.

The best position for helping in the brushing process especially for the young child is from behind with the head back. This enables the parent to control the head and be able to visualize the teeth better for more effective brushing. For older children flossing is an important addition to good oral hygiene. It removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can not reach. Flossing is a difficult skill to master and you may need to floss your child's teeth until he or she can do it alone. The technique should be done in a "down-around-and out" manner. Back and forth flossing over time can be damaging.