BASIC DENTAL CARE

Flossing

Dental floss is the finest tool we have to clean between teeth where toothbrushes cannot reach. We recommend that parents floss between their children’s teeth. By the age of 10, children are generally able to floss by themselves.

Flossing Wands

To ease in the flossing procedure, there have been several innovative tools that have been invented. Among the easiest to use are the different varieties of flossing wands.

How to Floss

Use an adequate amount of floss – generally between 15 – 18 inches.
Guide the floss gently between the teeth and see-saw through the contact.
Once it is through the contact, gently slide the floss along the sides of both teeth.
When flossing go in a predictable order. For example, start on the upper right, go entirely around the upper arch and then move to the bottom and go in order on that arch as well.
When flossing go in a predictable order. For example, start on the upper right, go entirely around the upper arch and then move to the bottom and go in order on that arch as well.

Fluoridated Water

Since the onset of water fluoridation more than 50 years ago, the American Dental Association has continued to regard water fluoridation as the number one tool available to prevent dental caries. Scientific research has continually found it to be both a safe and effective method of strengthening teeth. For those communities that do not have fluoridated water, many pediatricians and dental health professionals recommend that children receive a fluoride supplement.

Fluroide Treatments

We strongly recommend that every child who receives a cleaning in our office also receives a fluoride treatment. These treatments contain a high level of fluoride in which a gel or fluoride foam is placed in a tray which sits in your child’s mouth for 1-4 minutes. These treatments increase the hardness of the tooth’s enamel and makes your child more resistant to tooth decay.