The secrets of brushing and flossing your teeth effectively

Though many of us say we brush our teeth regularly, you get the best results by making sure you brush properly.

Here are the steps you should follow:

First, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.

Then, move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

Finally, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

As well as brushing your teeth, you should floss them every day. Here’s how to floss for best results.

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.

Then wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

If you have difficulty handling dental floss, consider other types of interdental cleaner such as special brushes, picks or sticks.

Your dentist or hygienist will be able to give your further tips on how to brush and floss for best results.

How the food you eat can cause tooth decay

When you put food in your mouth, it immediately meets the bacteria that live there.

Plaque, for example, is a sticky film of bacteria.

These bacteria love the sugars found in many foods. So, when you don’t clean your teeth after eating, the bacteria and the sugar can combine to produce acids which can destroy the enamel – the hard surface of the tooth.

In time, this can lead to tooth decay. The more often you eat and the longer foods are in your mouth, the more damage occurs.

Many foods that are nutritious and important in our diet contain sugars – such as fruits, milk, bread, cereals and even vegetables.

So the key is not to try and avoid sugar but to think before you eat.

When you eat is also important because each time you eat food that contains sugars, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more.

This means that foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, helping to wash foods from the mouth and reduce the effects of acids.

Here are some tips to follow when choosing your meals and snacks.
– Eat a variety of foods from different food groups
– Limit the number of snacks that you eat
– If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit

It’s also important to brush your teeth twice a day and to clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.

And of course regular visits to your dentist will help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur while they are easier to treat.

Straightening Out Your Child’s Smile

Very few people have perfectly straight teeth. Dentists use the term “malocclusion” to describe the failure of the top and bottom teeth to bite together as they should. If your child has malocclusion, he or she could have an overbite, underbite or crossbite. In addition, your child might have problems with gum tissue, speech development, appearance or the jaw joints.

Even though your child’s teeth may have some degree of malocclusion, that doesn’t necessarily mean his or her bite needs correction. Dr. Jared may refer your child to an orthodontist, a specialist who can help accurately determine what kind of correction is needed, if any.

How can you tell if your child has malocclusion? Symptoms of the condition may include

• abnormal alignment of the teeth
• breathing through the mouth
• problems with speech
• difficulty biting or chewing
• abnormal facial appearance

Rarely is malocclusion caused by just one factor. Genetics can play a large role, while children’s habits can influence their bite, as well. Children who suck their thumbs until the age of five or beyond have a higher risk of developing malocclusion. Some children have limited space between their baby teeth. This means that when their larger permanent teeth grow in, there may not be enough room for them.

Treatment for straighter teeth is personalized for each individual child. X-rays and impressions of teeth can evaluate the problem so that your child receives the best recommendations for treatment. Your child’s age and the extent of the condition will be considered to determine treatment. Treatment might include

• fixed mouth appliances, such as braces
• removable mouth appliances, such as retainers
• jaw surgery to correct bite problems where bone is involved

When the top and bottom teeth bite together evenly, your child has a properly aligned bite. Remember: Few children have a perfectly aligned bite, but not all require treatment. For those who do, early intervention is critical to prevent further problems in the face and jaw from a badly positioned bite. The result is your child’s renewed confidence and a beautiful smile to show for it.

Call us to schedule an appointment today!

Contest! Let the KiDDS Team Stuff Your Stocking!

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How to enter: Entries consist of following the directions (comment, "like," etc.) given in the official promotion posts on the KiDDS Dental Facebook page between December 6, 2021, at 9:00 AM and December 17, 2021, at 5:00 PM. One entry per promotion post per Facebook user is allowed. Multiple entries per promotion post will be disqualified.

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For remaining prize: One random prize drawing will be held on or about December 20, 2021.  The winner will receive the remaining stockings. This prize is valued at $100. Cash cannot be awarded in lieu of prize. Prize is not transferable. The winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying applicable state and federal taxes. 

If a winner is disqualified or if a prize is unclaimed, KiDDS Dental reserves the right to conduct another drawing to determine an alternate winner or to not award that winner's prize, at its sole discretion

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