Great Smiles Begin with Clinton Township Family Dental Care

We all want what’s best for our families. From the food tpect of any wellness regime. Of course finding the right dentist and keeping up with regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings is important, but the best oral hygiene really does begin at home with proper brushing.

How Brushing Protects Your Teeth

Brushing with a good fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day is one of the most significant ways  there is to remove  bacteria, or plaque, from your teeth. If plaque is not removed daily, it can lead to unattractive and unhealthy tartar and  gum disease. And don’t forget – brushing also freshens your breath and removes surface stains from your teeth.

Brush At Least Two Minutes

It is amazing how long two minutes can seem when you are standing still and brushing. In fact, the Academy of General Dentistry says that most patients who think they are brushing much longer, turn out to be brushing less than a minute! To make sure you or your children are really brushing long enough, set a timer or try a self-timing electric toothbrush.

The Best Brushing Technique

Instead of a back-and-forth motion, be sure to gently sweep your teeth using a circular or elliptical motion. It is easy to daydream while brushing so make sure you are actually covering every surface and spend an equal amount of time on each section of your mouth, dividing those two minutes between:

• the front surfaces

• backs of teeth

• the chewing surfaces

• the tongue

• between the teeth

Make Brushing Fun

Here are a few tips to make tooth brushing fun and set the stage for continuing good health:

• Let kids watch you brush and brush with them. Kids love to mimic adult behaviors and together time creates good memories surrounding dental hygiene.

• Find a song or piece of music that is two minutes long and make brushing to it part of your routine.

• Allow your children to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste flavor, or surprise them with a new toothbrush design you know they will enjoy.

Remember, children under the age of eight should be supervised during brushing and flossing to ensure that it is completed carefully and properly.

If you have any questions about your family’s dental health or how to help them maintain proper oral hygiene for a lifetime of healthy smiles, please call Dr. Alex or Sophia Masters at our Clinton Township dental office for more information or to schedule a visit.