We brush to remove plaque and stay clean. What's plaque?

Plaque is yucky stuff that can stick to teeth. Plaque is bad because it's full of nasty

germs. These germs can hurt teeth by making little holes called cavities. Plaque and cavities

make teeth weaker. That's why it's super important to brush all the plaque off every

day. To keep healthy teeth we have to brush for 2 minutes every morning and 2 minutes

every night before bed! It's really important to brush your teeth the RIGHT WAY! First make

sure to use a special kid's toothbrush when you brush. Kid's brushes fit little mouths

and have soft bristles. Put a little dot (about the size of a pea) of fluoride toothpaste

on your brush. Moms have to help babies brush their teeth and babies can't use fluoride

toothpaste. You have to be able to spit to use fluoride! Once you have the toothpaste

on your toothbrush...open your mouth wide! Start with the teeth in the back of your mouth

and brush in little circles. Work your way to the teeth in the front of your mouth and

don't forget to brush the gums! Move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes.

Brush the top, front, and back sides of each tooth. Make sure you get the inside of all

the teeth. When you're done be sure to spit out all the toothpaste. Don't swallow the

toothpaste...it will upset your tummy. When you're done brushing it's time to floss.

Flossing can help remove food and plaque from in between teeth and along the gum line. Parents

should start flossing their children's teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch

and they should floss twice a week. When you floss, break off about 18 inches of floss.

Wind the floss around your pointer finger. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs

and fingers. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never

snap the floss into your gums. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape

against one tooth. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of

the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with an upward motion. By the time you're

7 or so, you should be flossing every night at bedtime with your mom and dad's supervision.

One other way we can help keep teeth clean and healthy is by eating and drinking healthy

foods. Eating healthy foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner is the best way to keep your

teeth and whole body in good shape. If you're hungry and want a snack, try foods like fruit,

raw veggies and low-fat cheese. Stay away from sugary soda and sweets. If you're thirsty

drink water or low-fat milk. If you brush, floss and eat right you'll have a beautiful

smile for your entire life! Find a My Kid's Dentist location or request an appointment

today by logging in at www.mykidsdentistonline.com.