Taking Care of Your Teeth

Proper Tooth Brushing

• It's best to brush twice a day, in the morning and at night
• Brush for about 2 to 3 minutes
• If you can brush at lunch time then do it!
• Make sure you brush all of your teeth, and don't brush too hard

Toothpaste

• Always always always use toothpaste!
• Toothpaste contains an ingredient called Fluoride which helps your teeth stay healthy and strong
• Don't swallow the toothpaste!

Toothbrush

• Make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles
• Soft bristles are easier on the teeth and gums

Flossing

How to Floss (Ask Parent for Help)

• Take out the floss, and wrap one end around one finger on each of your hands
• Grip the ends with your thumbs and snug the floss between two teeth
• When the floss touches your gums, follow the shape of your tooth moving gently up and down
• Do this between all of your teeth

Why You Should Floss

• Your toothbrush can’t get all the plaque off of your teeth because they can only reach most of the surface
• Plaque is a bacteria that grows on your teeth, and if you don't brush the plaque can cause tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease
• Floss gets between your teeth where your toothbrush can't

If you can't use regular dental floss, there are simpler and much easier to use disposable plastic flossers.

Foods and Drinks You Should Avoid

Sweet foods like candies and desserts have a lot of sugar, and sugar is what causes tooth decay

Foods like chips, bread, or pasta contain starches which are just as bad as sugar

Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and tomatoes have citric acid which is damaging to your teeth

Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth

Fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber such as apples, carrots, and celery

Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt. Dairy has calcium, phosphates, and vitamin D which strengthen your teeth

Green and black teas have an ingredient that fights off bacteria in your mouth

Remember!

• Brush twice a day for 2 to 3 minutes
• Floss twice a day after brushing
• Avoid sugary foods

Works Cited
“Food friends and foes for your teeth.” Delta Dental. Delta Dental of California, Feb. 2015. Web. 27 Apr. 2015. . A good primary source that lists food and drink items that are harmful for your teeth and items that are beneficial.
“Taking Care of Your Teeth.” Kids Health. Ed. The Nemours Foundation. Nemours, n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2015. . Primary source for information on proper tooth brushing. Included the instructional technique, history, and extra information on how to maintain oral health.

“The Truth About Healthy Teeth- At Home Dental Care.” Web MD. Ed. Tracy Brown. Web MD LLC, n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2015. . Primary source on proper flossing techniques and information on why it’s important to floss your teeth. Also includes the Top 10 excuses for why people don’t floss.