Your Questions

How should I care for my child’s teeth?

Begin daily brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts. A pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste may be used once the child is able to not swallow it. By age five, most children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day with supervision to make sure they are doing a thorough job. However, every child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether your child has the skill level to brush properly.

Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of the teeth. When teaching children to brush, place the toothbrush at a forty-five degree angle and start bushing along the gum line in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower and repeat the same motion on the inside and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.

Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. You should floss your child’s teeth until he or she can do it alone. Use about 18 inches of waxed floss, winding most of it around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss lightly between the thumbs and forefingers and use a gentle, back and forth motion to glide the floss between the teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gums and tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth and repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don’t forget the backs of the last four teeth.



	Your Questions What is a pediatric dentist? When should my child see a dentist for the first time? What will happen at my child’s first dental visit? Why should decayed baby teeth be fixed? Why does my child need X-rays? How should I care for my child’s teeth? Does my child’s diet affect their teeth? What are sealants? What is Baby Bottle Decay? When will my baby start getting teeth? My child has a dental emergency. What should I do? How safe is fluoride? How should I care for my child’s teeth? Begin daily brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth erupts. A pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste may be used once the child is able to not swallow it. By age five, most children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day with supervision to make sure they are doing a thorough job. However, every child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether your child has the skill level to brush properly. Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of the teeth. When teaching children to brush, place the toothbrush at a forty-five degree angle and start bushing along the gum line in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower and repeat the same motion on the inside and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria. Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. You should floss your child’s teeth until he or she can do it alone. Use about 18 inches of waxed floss, winding most of it around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss lightly between the thumbs and forefingers and use a gentle, back and forth motion to glide the floss between the teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gums and tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth and repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don’t forget the backs of the last four teeth.	Home About Us Patient Services Your Questions Patient Forms Payment Options Contact Us 972.491.3916 5800 Coit Rd. Suite 600 Plano, Texas 75023