Dental visits are needed for cleaning and sometimes fluoride treatments. According to the American Dental Association, routine exams also uncover damage that can be easily treated when caught early.
How to brush
- Brush at least twice every day on all sides of the teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste (moving the brush in small circles and short back-and-forth strokes).
- Consider an electric toothbrush, or let your kids choose a fun toothbrush and toothpaste to make brushing fun.
- Brush carefully and gently along the gum line and lightly brush the tongue.
- Clean around the teeth with dental floss to keep gums healthy. Rinse after you floss.
- Remind small children to not to swallow toothpaste. If a child can not or will not spit out the toothpaste, then use tooth paste without fluoride until the child learns to spit.
- It does not matter whether you floss before or after brushing.
- Supervise your child while he brushes.
- If allergic to any toothpaste ingredients, consider a natural or organic toothpaste.
- You can brush with baking soda and peroxide like in the good old days and still achieve good dental health.
If you need low cost dental care, Columbus Public Health offers a dental clinic for city residents. For more information, visit their website.
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