Keeping your teeth and gums clean is essential for maintaining good oral health. Here's a step-by-step guide to effective brushing:

1. Choose the Right Brush: Use a soft or medium-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Apply medium pressure to avoid damaging your enamel or gums.

2. Angle and Motion: Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your teeth meet your gums. Use small, circular motions to gently clean the outer surfaces of your teeth.

3. Cover All Surfaces: Brush the insides of your teeth thoroughly. For the inside surfaces of your front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use an up-and-down motion.

4. Clean Biting Surfaces: Use short, gentle strokes to clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

5. Promote Gum Health: Brush along your gumline gently to stimulate circulation and maintain gum health.

6. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your mouth well to remove loosened plaque and food particles.

We all say we floss regularly… Don’t worry, we’re not judging—but we are here to help you master it! Flossing is critical for removing plaque and food debris from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Here's the right way to do it:

1. Length and Grip: Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around one middle finger and the rest around the other.

2. Gentle Insertion: Carefully slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion—avoid snapping it in place.

3. The C-Shape: Curve the floss around one tooth and gently slide it up and down to clean both the tooth and the gumline.

4. Repeat: Use a fresh section of floss for each space to ensure thorough cleaning.

Prefer floss picks? That’s fine too! Floss sticks can be a great option if you find them more convenient—just make sure you use a fresh pick for every session and still focus on reaching every tooth and gumline.

Helping kids build great dental habits early doesn’t just protect their teeth—it sets them up for confidence and independence as they grow! Here’s how to make it fun and age-appropriate every step of the way:

1. Baby Steps: Start with a soft cloth to clean your baby’s gums before teeth show up. When that first tooth arrives, switch to a baby toothbrush (the even have gentle electric tooth brushes that light up that our kids loved). Bonus: Let them "help" hold it to get used to brushing!

2. The Power of Teamwork: For toddlers and younger kids, make brushing a team effort. Brush together in front of the mirror, or let them brush first before you "help them" to make sure every tooth gets clean.

3. Make It a Game: Use a fun toothbrush with their favorite character or play their favorite song for two minutes. Try "cavity monsters" stories or challenge them to "brush the sugar bugs away."

4. Routine That Sticks: Pair brushing and flossing with something they already do, like right after breakfast or just before bedtime stories. Keep flossing quick and light—use floss sticks—they’re simple to hold and maneuver!

5. Gaining Independence: As they get older, let them take charge. Give tips like, “Make sure to get the back teeth!” and do check-ins occasionally. For tweens, a quality electric toothbrush or water flosser can make the process cool and effortless.

Parenting hack: Brushing together (even as they get older) is a great way to lead by example and sneak in a quick check to make sure they’re doing it right. Need more ideas? Ask us at your next visit—we love creative solutions!