Healthy Habits Begin Early
The dentistry team at Abra Dental (formerly ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles) understands the importance of teaching healthy habits early, especially for oral health. We want to prepare your child from a young age with all the tools they need to grow up into health-conscious adults who value their smile.
Our team provides the guidance, treatment, and tips needed to nurture healthy habits that last a lifetime – all with the compassion and fun that your child deserves from a dentist visit!
Dental Basics
Flossing, brushing, and rinsing are all the basic, essential components of a healthy smile. An estimated 80% of dental disease is evident between the teeth and under the gums, areas that a toothbrush alone cannot address, which is why flossing is so essential.
We know that even most adults hate flossing, but we cannot stress the importance of this daily task enough. You cannot imagine the amount of food and bacteria that get stuck between the teeth. Here are some general rules for maintaining a healthy smile:
- Floss between every tooth.
- Brush teeth twice a day (brush your child’s teeth for them if they are not able to adequately clean them themselves).
- Avoid soda, sweet juices, or sticky snacks (brush immediately after consuming these items).
- Consider dental sealants to prevent tooth decay.
- Rinse with water after every meal.
- Visit Abra Dental twice a year!
Flossing Tips
Cleaning between the teeth and under the gums is essential for oral health. We understand that few adults floss their teeth, so it may be difficult for you to teach your child the proper technique. Here is a quick guide to help you understand how to floss your own and your child’s teeth:
- Use floss holders or cut 24-30 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving 2 inches of floss to work with.
- Use your thumb and index finger to gently guide the floss between each tooth.
- Wrap the glass into a C shape around each tooth and under the gum line.
- Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning each side of the tooth.
Brushing Tips
You may think you know how to brush your teeth, but you would be surprised at how many patients find out that they are doing it wrong. Small, circular motions are key to clean teeth, and also, don’t forget to regularly replace your soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristle brush and fluoride-based toothpaste.
- Brush with small circular motions.
- Brush the entire tooth, including the outer, inner and chewing surfaces.
- Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
- Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria
Rinsing Tips
Rinsing is an often overlooked aspect of oral health, but it is essential in preventing cavities, eliminating bacteria, and freshening breath. Of course, you should rinse your mouth with water after brushing your teeth.
However, did you know that you should also rinse your mouth after meals if you are unable to brush? This will help to quickly wash bacteria from the surface of your teeth to prevent them from burrowing into any pits and fissures on your teeth’s chewing surfaces.
Remember to rinse your mouth with water:
- After brushing your teeth
- After every meal if you are unable to brush your teeth