Chicago Dentist - Mouth Care Tips

MOUTH CARE TIPS

Use a brush that has soft nylon bristles with rounded or polished ends.

• Choose smaller toothbrushes for children.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. If you can, brush every time after eating.
• Children should use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to avoid swallowing too much fluoride.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day. The ADA recommends spending a minimum of ten minutes a day brushing and flossing.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months. If you need to do so more often, you may be brushing too hard and may damage your gums and the enamel on your teeth.
• Rotate toothbrushes. Have two or three different ones and use them consecutively, throwing the oldest one out as you introduce a new one.
• Never share a toothbrush with anyone.
• Supervise children under the age of six years when they use toothpaste.
• Follow the cautions on the packages for toothpastes designed for specific purposes, e.g., antitartar, sensitive teeth.
• Do not swallow toothpaste.
• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.

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