Snack Box

To prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, your diet -- what you eat and how often you eat -- are important factors. Changes in your mouth start the minute you eat certain foods. Read More...

Did You Know?

Brushing Fun Facts

45-70 seconds is the amount of time most people brush their teeth a day
2 - 3 minutes is the recommended amount of brushing time

February 2012

February is Children's Dental Health Month
Our focus this month will be on dental care and how best to take care of our teeth. After all, our teeth need to last us our lifetime.

Brushing and Flossing for Little Mouths

When it comes to brushing and flossing for kids, both tasks require good manual dexterity, or in other words, good control of the tooth brush and floss; something most kids do not develop until around age six. It is important for an adult to brush a child's teeth twice a day to ensure the removal of plaque to prevent tooth decay. Until the age of six children should be supervised while brushing. Brushing should last for at least two minutes. But in the case of children, it will generally require a bit more time and patience for the person helping the child.

Start by using a soft bristled toothbrush with a pea sized amount of toothpaste. Choose a toothpaste that is appropriate for the age of the child. Avoid using toothpaste that contains fluoride until the child is able to consciously avoid swallowing it to prevent fluorosis.
Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle with the bristles pointed in the direction of the gumline.
Gently brush the teeth with a circular motion. Brush the outside surface , inside surface , and biting surface of the teeth.