the most important element of maintaining healthy, decay-free teeth is routine brushing and flossing. The most important habit your child can form is brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Overnight, bacteria forms and grows on the teeth, so it's extremely important to brush immediately after breakfast in the morning.  Additionally, as sugars and carbs remain in the mouth throughout the day, it is crucial that your child not only brushes before bed, but brushes thoroughly.

 

Thorough Brushing

Thorough brushing includes spending considerable time on each tooth, both top and bottom. Instead of brushing in a horizontal motion, encourage your child to brush in a vertical motion, which is less damaging to the gums. The entire process should take at least 2-3 minutes, and should be followed by flossing.

 

The Importance of Flossing

Although brushing cleans the outside of teeth, it is flossing that reaches the nooks and crannies where bacteria and sugars can remain dormant for days. By flossing, hard-to-reach placed in your child’s mouth can be reached and cleaned. If these pieces of food remain in the mouth, they provide a fertile place for bacteria to grow. Therefore, it is essential that your child flosses daily.

 

Good flossing involves flossing between each tooth, both top and bottom. Although the back teeth may be hard to reach, it is here that bacteria can easily build up and grow. If your child is scared, or opposed to flossing, slowly accustom them to the process. The more accustomed they become to the process, the more likely they are to keep it up and have healthier, cleaner teeth.