How to brush their teeth

Tooth decay occurs among children and young adults, but can affect people of all ages. This is the main cause of tooth loss.
Caries starts to develop when acids that form in your mouth attack the enamel of your teeth. The treatment for tooth decay depends on the severity of it.

When decay has destroyed part of the tooth, it can not repair itself. That is why it is important to regularly consult a dentist or dental hygienist to clean and examine your teeth. The fluoride treatment can help some people to strengthen the enamel of their teeth.

Brush and floss go regularly to protect your teeth and gums between visits to the dentist, and keep healthy. Here are some tips on brushing teeth and using dental floss offered by health experts HealthyOntario.com.
How much brushing
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste, brush for about 2.5 to three minutes twice a day.

- Tilt slightly toothbrush at an angle at the junction of the teeth and gums.

- Brush gently by making circular movements. A brushing too hard can damage gums and teeth.

- Be sure to brush all sides of each tooth.

- Brush well as the tongue and inside your cheeks.
Silk is queen
- Use dental floss at least once a day.

- Go slowly (if you go too strong silk, you can injure your gums).

- If your gums bleed, you'll perhaps dental floss too vigorously or your gums are not healthy. Consult your dentist about this.

- If you do not know how to use dental floss, your dental hygienist will be happy to show you how.
To learn more about dental and oral health, visit SantéOntario.com where you find reliable information and tools to live healthy and improve your well-being.