Technical Writing

Brushing Your Teeth: An Educational Tool for Parents

            As a parent, it is important to provide your children with the knowledge and understanding to properly maintain good oral hygiene. One way of doing this is by providing them with the tools necessary in order to effectively brush their teeth so that these skills can be used for years to come. There are steps in order to do so, and knowing these steps and a simple way of explaining them can help to open the door to the education process.

Step 1: Place the toothbrush on a hard, flat surface with the bristles facing upward. This will allow for proper application of toothpaste in the steps to follow.

Step 2: Place the appropriate amount of toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The amount needed for your child can be found on the toothpaste label.

Step 3: Once the toothpaste is secured on the bristles of the toothbrush, gently lift the toothbrush from its handle and insert the head of the toothbrush into the mouth. At this point, the bristles of the toothbrush should be facing the inside of the mouth while being gently pressed to the teeth.

Step 4: Now, it is time to begin the act of brushing. Move the toothbrush up-and-down then side-to-side within the mouth ensuring that all of the teeth are given a few seconds of attention. Remember to brush all sides of the teeth and not just those parts that are visible. This step should take approximately two minutes time.

Step 5: Once the teeth have been brushed, lean over the sink and spit the excess toothpaste down the drain. Be sure not to swallow this liquid.

Step 6: Turn on the faucet to rinse the spit and toothpaste down the drain. While this is happening, scoop some water into the mouth with a cupped hand. Swish the water vigorously in the mouth for ten seconds and then discard this liquid into the sink via spitting. This will help to clean any excess toothpaste that may have been left in the mouth.

Step 7: Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly under running water. Once this is complete, turn off the faucet and return the toothbrush to its place.

            Introducing your child to these simple steps can help to establish proper brushing habits that could benefit them for many years to come. By giving them the necessary tools at an early age, they can take ownership of their oral health. Following these step-by-step instructions will help to open the window of education between yourself and your young one.