Brushing and Flossing Instructions
How to Brush Your Teeth
Dr. Cooper recommends that an adult brush your child’s teeth for them until he or she reaches age 10.
You should brush your child’s teeth thoroughly at least twice a day (we recommend three times a day) to remove plaque and to prevent tooth decay. Follow the steps below for proper brushing. Contact Dr. Cooper if you have any questions.
Brushing: Step 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.
Brushing: Step 2
Brush gently in a circular motion.
Brushing: Step 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Brushing: Step 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
You should get 2 minutes (at least) of GOOD brushing. If your child struggles while brushing, you may consider a slightly longer brushing time. If you continue to have difficulty “getting in there,” ask Dr. Cooper or his staff for some tips.
How to Floss Your Teeth
Flossing is used to remove plaque from the areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. You (as a parent) should floss your teeth thoroughly at least once a day. However, to calculate approximately how often Dr. Cooper typically recommends that you floss your child’s teeth (for them), take their age in years and divide by two. This results in the minimum frequency per week. [For example, a 7-year-old should be having his teeth flossed at least 3-4 times per week.]
Follow the steps below for proper flossing, and contact your doctor if you have any questions.
Flossing: Step 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and as the floss is used, the other finger takes it up.
Flossing: Step 2
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Flossing: Step 3
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Flossing: Step 4
Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.
Additionally, Dr. Cooper has flossers that may help you get into your child’s small mouth and save your fingers. These are also reusable!