BLACK FRIDAY IS ALSO NATIONAL FLOSSING DAY!
Flossing prevents cavities from forming in between teeth. Floss is a tool that removes tartar and plaque buildup, because a toothbrush cannot clean the tight spaces between teeth and the base of the teeth and the gums.
TIPS FROM HEALTHY SMILES FOR KIDS OF ORANGE COUNTY:
DOS:
- Wash your hands first before flossing.
- Use about 18 inches of dental floss.
- Use a gentle up and down motion to clean between teeth..
- Use a new section of floss to clean each tooth.
- Spend at least one minute flossing per day.
- Use waxed floss if teeth are spaced close together.
- Do floss your children’s teeth until they are able to floss well by themselves (usually around age nine).
DON’TS:
- Don’t wait until all of a child’s teeth have surfaced to floss; start flossing once two teeth touch.
- Don’t worry if your child’s gums bleed at first – this should stop as gums become healthier.
- Don’t just floss your front teeth because they are easier to do.
- Don’t saw into your gums, you will only hurt them.
- Don’t forget to lead by example and show children how to brush and floss.
Youngsters should always remember to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily for two minutes in the morning and before bedtime. To prevent poor dental hygiene, children should attend regular dental visits once the first tooth appears and every six months afterwards, or no later than a child’s first birthday.
Also replace toothbrushes every three or four months. Child-friendly floss holders make it possible and easy to floss every day with options ranging in fun designs and smaller flosser profiles to fit into children’s mouths more easily. Lastly, but certainly not least, floss teeth daily to make this an everyday, clean habit for a healthy smile.
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