Brushing and Flossing

Brushing

For most children over 3 years old, you can use a toothbrush with soft bristles and pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. A guideline for 1-3 year old children, is to only apply a thin smear or ‘grain-of-rice’ sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. If your child hasn’t yet mastered spitting out the toothpaste, you may consider using a toddler or training toothpaste that is non-fluoridated and safe to swallow. Parents should regularly supervise brushing to make sure that children to not apply and swallow too much toothpaste. Below is a photo provided by the American Dental Association with a smear of toothpaste pictured on the left and a pea-size on the right.
When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small circular motions. Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush slowly and carefully, making sure the toothbrush bristles touch all 3 accessible sides of every tooth (tongue-surface, lip-surface, and biting surface). To do the process well, it can take some time. Thirty seconds per mouth quadrant for two minutes total is a rough guideline. Before putting the toothbrush down, brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. While it is important to brush a couple times a day, the most important time to brush is right before bed. To maximize the topical benefits of fluoride toothpaste, it is preferred to not rinse after spitting out the toothpaste. Additionally, make sure that you don’t have anything else to eat or drink after brushing. Late night snacks or drinks can leave sugars on your teeth that fuel cavity-forming bacteria until morning.

Flossing

To clean food and bacteria from the areas between the teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach, we recommend flossing. Dental floss is a thin thread that is used slide between teeth, where they touch. It is very important to gently floss your teeth every day. Pull about 1 foot of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss snugly around your pointer fingers. Gently guide the floss down and up where the teeth touch, “hugging” each tooth to pull out any food particles or plaque. Floss should not be used side-to-side like a saw, it is meant to move vertically. Floss at night to make sure your teeth are squeaky clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed a little. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, let a your dentist know.

Contact Us

Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is located at 4901 N 44th St #101 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 595-3531

Recent Posts

Young boy brushing his teeth
The Importance of Oral Hydration for Your Child’s Dental Health 

The Importance of Oral Hydration for Your Child’s Dental Health At Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we prioritize your child’s smile and overall dental well-being. As parents, ensuring your children maintain good dental hygiene is critical. While most focus on brushing and flossing, proper oral hydration is a lesser-known yet equally vital aspect of dental […]

Dental Care Tips for Kids
Sunny Smiles: 5 Essential Summer Dental Care Tips for Kids 

Shaping Bright Futures with Every Smile in Phoenix Summer is here, and while the kids are excited about their break, it's essential to keep their oral hygiene in check. At Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Phoenix, AZ, we know that summer fun can sometimes lead to neglecting dental care. To help you maintain your […]

child in dental chair
Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use: What Parents Need to Know

Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use: What Parents Need to Know At Pediatric Dentist of Phoenix, AZ, we understand the importance of ensuring your child's dental health from an early age. Thumb sucking and pacifier use are natural behaviors in infants and young children, but they can lead to dental issues if they continue for too […]

pediatric dentist checkup phoenix
Shaping Bright Futures with Every Smile in Phoenix

Shaping Bright Futures with Every Smile in Phoenix Nestled in the bustling city of Phoenix, AZ, Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics shines as a leading light in children's oral healthcare. Our mission is to sculpt the foundation of a lifelong journey towards impeccable oral health for every child that walks through our doors. Through a […]

smiling kid in dentist chair
Children's Dental Care in Phoenix

Children's Dental Care in Phoenix At Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing top-notch children's dental care in Phoenix, AZ. Our mission is to create a comfortable and welcoming treatment environment that instills a positive attitude toward oral health from an early age. Smiles from the Moment You Walk-in From the moment […]

Your Phoenix Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist
We can provide continued pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care for children as they grow up.
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics • AZ Specialty Dental Services, PLLC - Jeffrey Burg, DDS

Book Your Appointment Today!

Book Now
Call Us! 602-362-7072
Continue Reading >>>
menu