Never too early to start brushing, flossing

  • Published
  • By Capt. Douglas Olson
  • 60th Dental Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In this day and age of fast foods, soda and candy-filled pantries, it is no wonder that children are still coming to the dentist with cavities that need to be fixed.

Good oral hygiene is something that should start a few days after birth. A simple wiping of your child's gums with a washcloth after each meal is all it takes to begin establishing good habits that will last a lifetime.

It also prepares children for later visits to a dentist as they become accustomed to having someone working in and around their mouths.

As their teeth begin to erupt, children should progress to using a toothbrush to remove the plaque that may accumulate over the course of a day. It is this plaque that houses the bacteria which causes tooth decay.

As the child becomes older, they can begin taking more responsibility of their oral hygiene under supervision by the parent. A good idea is to let them brush their own teeth and then follow up by brushing their teeth correctly.

First, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is all that is needed. Larger amounts tend to create excessive foam making it more difficult for your child to brush.

Next, place the toothbrush bristles so that they contact both the tooth surface and the gum simultaneously. Gently brush the teeth using small circular strokes until all surfaces have been cleaned.

Also, always brush the tongue to remove odor-producing bacteria and debris which cause bad breath.

Finally, rinse and spit out the toothpaste. It is important to get your child into a habit of doing this as swallowing toothpaste on a consistent basis can lead to a condition known as fluorosis.

A thorough cleaning should take two minutes and be accomplished twice a day. It is important to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, as a hard bristled toothbrush wears down tooth structure and can cause gum recession leading to tooth sensitivity.

Toothbrushes should be replaced at least every three months, as a worn-out toothbrush does not clean teeth properly. Also you need to supplement brushing with once daily flossing as a toothbrush is ineffective at cleaning between the teeth.

The bottom line is that there is no replacement for proper oral hygiene in the prevention of cavities. Sealants, fluoride treatment and routine cleanings are only adjuncts. 

It is a habit that needs to start early.