Basics of Oral Health 4: Brush, Floss, Swish

Basics of Oral Health 4: Brush, Floss, Swish

Goal: Learn how to brush, floss and swish with water and why it’s important.

Big Bites: Things You Should Know

  • Everyone should brush their teeth for two minutes, two times a day (after breakfast and before bed).
  • Use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste starting with tooth eruption to age 3; after that, use a pea size.
  • Brush all sides of each tooth using a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Do not rinse your mouth out when you finish brushing.
  • Floss at least once a day to remove food and germs stuck between teeth.  Begin flossing a child’s teeth when the teeth touch.
  • When brushing is not possible, after eating rinse your mouth with water.  Swish the water around your mouth and then swallow it.  Children can usually swish and swallow at about age 3.
  • An adult should assist a child with brushing until they can tie a shoe lace, between 6 to 8 years old.