Having an overbite is a common problem in the North American culture. In other populations, people are more prone to having underbites where their jaws stick out relative to their upper jaws. In the United States, the majority of people…
Two Minutes Twice a Day
Tooth brushing Mistake No.3: “Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough”
If your child has the bad habit of not brushing often enough or long enough, you know that there are going to be problems down the line. In addition to flossing on a daily basis, your child should brush his or her teeth for at least two minutes every time. That means devoting at least a minute to the top and a minute to the bottom, thoroughly brushing every surface to ensure the teeth are cleaned well. It's also essential that your child knows the proper method to brush teeth. Strokes should be short, moving back and forth across every surface, using the tip to get in hard to reach places, such as behind teeth that are in the front. If your child doesn't brush long enough, bacteria can continue to breed, leading to gum disease. Accumulating debris can cause decay and excess plaque can actually lead to heart problems in the future.
Brushing Often Enough is a Must as Well
In addition to the length of time that your child brushes, it is also to brush often enough. Twice a day is the recommended amount, once in the morning and once at night. However, your child can be even more vigilant and brush after every meal time, ensuring debris is removed from the teeth. Each time plaque is removed, it ensures better oral health.
Discuss Good Oral Hygiene and More
As you help your child to take care of his or her teeth, you may have additional concerns that require an orthodontist. Visit our website and make an appointment at Beecroft Orthodontics to discuss a host of issues, including Invisalign teen cost and Invisalign teen review. Help your child to have a beautiful smile. Begin with brushing and learn about other alternatives to make those pearly whites shine.
Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia
Phone: 540-898-2200
Two Minutes Twice a Day
Right Bristles Make the Right Toothbrush
Tooth brushing Mistake No. 2: “Not Picking the Right Bristles”
A parent who cares about his child's oral health will encourage that they brush their teeth twice a day in addition to setting a good example by doing this themselves. In addition to investing in braces to make their smile beautiful, the next best investment a parent can make is investing in a toothbrush with the right bristles. It's easy to avoid the mistake of not picking the right bristles for the toothbrush used on a daily basis.
Types of Bristles
An orthodontic can offer valuable feedback on the best type of toothbrush bristles for your child. Most individuals prefer a soft-bristled toothbrush because it feels more comfortable in the mouth. And if a toothbrush feels comfortable and easy to use, a child will be more motivated to brush his teeth at least twice a day in order to remove any food particles sticking to his braces. Most people are surprised to discover after discussing bristles with an orthodontic specialist that firmer bristles don't do a more effective job than soft bristles at removing plaque, food particles and stains from teeth. Extra-soft bristles are recommended for individuals whose mouths are sore after a dental procedure or who have sensitive gums and teeth.
Bristle Patterns
In addition to the softness of toothbrush bristles, the shape and pattern of bristles on the toothbrush can help the brushing process be as effective as possible. Many toothbrushes today offer innovative features such as cup shape bristles designed for more detailed coverage while brushing, smaller toothbrush heads to get into crevices and corners more easily, bristles arranged in a diagonal pattern to be able to reach the gum line and sides of the teeth, and bristles that indicate when a toothbrush replacement is recommended.
Beecroft Orthodontics is committed to helping you achieve the best oral care possible. Call on us for any guidance you need regarding picking the right bristles on the toothbrushes, you and your children will be using twice a day.
Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia
Phone: 540-898-2200
Right Bristles Make the Right Toothbrush