Hygiene

Dental hygiene should begin as soon as your baby is born and be encouraged throughout all stages of development.  Begin by using gauze to wipe your baby’s gums after feedings.  Start using a small toothbrush with a rice-size smudge of fluoride and cavity-preventing toothpaste as soon as the first tooth emerges.  The amount of toothpaste can be increased to a pea-size dollop by the age of 3.

Brushing and flossing should be done twice a day by all ages and followed with an antibacterial mouthwash.  Daily brushing and flossing is the first step to preventing plaque.  The second step is to have twice-yearly teeth cleaning.  Allowing plaque to remain on the teeth too long promotes the growth of bacteria and development of tooth decay.

As with anything, using the right tools is also crucial.  Your toothbrush should be the right size to fit comfortably in the mouth and reach the back teeth.  The bristles should be soft, and you should throw away your toothbrush every six months and start using a new one.

If regular floss is difficult for you to get used to, many different types of flossing sticks are available at any store.  The handles make them easier to maneuver and to reach the back teeth.  Water flossers are also available for removing plaque and debris from between the teeth.

Dental health has been linked to general health, making dental hygiene about more than having clean teeth.