3" 3" 2.875" Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush in a size and shape that fits your mouth comfortably. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are worn or frayed. Worn toothbrushes won’t clean teeth properly. Both manual and powered toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque. If you have hand, arm or shoulder problems that limit movement, a powered toothbrush may be easier for you to use. Supervise teeth brushing for children up to age 6—make sure they use the right amount of toothpaste and spit the toothpaste out. Begin brushing children’s teeth as soon as the first tooth comes in and until the age of 3 years, using a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. After age 3, use a pea-sized amount. Eating a healthy diet, limiting snacks and visiting your dentist regularly will help you keep your smile healthy for years to come. 1. Place your toothbrush against your gums at a 45-degree angle. Move the brush back and forth gently and in short strokes, about as wide as each of your teeth. 2. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, keeping the toothbrush at an angle to the gums. 3. Brush the inner tooth surfaces. 4. Brush the chewing surfaces. 5. Use the top part of the brush to clean the inside surface of the top and bottom front teeth. Use a gentle up-and-down motion. Basic Brushing Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about the best way to brush your teeth. Here are a few tips to help you start a good routine: When choosing a toothbrush, floss and fluoride toothpaste, look for products that show the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This means that the product meets the ADA’s standards for safety and effectiveness. For children under three years old For children three to six years old Brushing Quick Reference Card The best way to fight tooth decay and gum disease is by brushing your teeth. Use this step-by-step quick reference card to give your patients a visual refresher on proper brushing techniques. It also reminds patients to choose a soft-bristled brush and replace it every three months. W257 Two-sided cards, 100 per pack Flossing Quick Reference Card If patients feel clumsy about flossing or just plain forget, this handy card gives pointers and encouragement. Close-up photos show each step of proper flossing technique. Great to send home as a hygiene reminder! W258 Two-sided cards, 100 per pack Basic Brushing Give your patients a refresher on basic brushing using this handy resource. Encourage twice-daily brushing and reinforce good oral hygiene habits with step-by-step pictures of proper brushing technique. W112 Mini-brochure, 5 7/8” x 3”, 100 per pack W112 W257 W258 Pricing for Quick Reference Cards PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $37.00 $55.50 2–9 $31.50 $47.25 10+ $27.75 $41.75 Pricing for Mini-Brochures PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $37.00 $55.50 2–9 $31.50 $47.25 10+ $27.75 $41.75 What Are the Benefits of Water Fluoridation? • Studies show water fluoridation reduces cavities by at least 25% in children and adults. It especially benefits people who are not able to get regular dental care. • It saves money. The average lifetime cost per person to fluoridate a water supply is often less than the cost of one dental filling. • It is safe and effective. Fluoride, similar to calcium and sodium, is another mineral that contributes to a healthy body. • It’s easy! You can help protect your teeth simply by drinking fluoridated water, anytime, anywhere. Water Fluoridation Is Safe More than 70 years of study and experience have shown that water fluoridation is safe. Fluoridation of community water is supported by leading health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). How Do I Know If My Water Is Fluoridated? To find out if the tap water in your area contains fluoride at a level that can help prevent cavities, ask your dentist. You also can contact your community’s water supplier. If you have a private water well, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends you test your water every year for safety. These water tests can include fluoride levels. Fluoride for Children Children under 3 years Begin brushing the teeth of your children under the age 3 years as soon as teeth begin to come into the mouth. Use no more than a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush. Watch children to make sure they don’t swallow the toothpaste. Children ages 3 to 6 years Put no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush. Help your child brush and teach him or her to spit out the toothpaste and not swallow it. Children under 6 years Fluoride mouth rinses are not recommended for children under 6 years. Parents should keep an eye on children under 6 years when they use any dental product with fluoride. More fluoride is not always better. These products should be stored out of the reach of young children. Most bottled waters do not have the levels of fluoride needed to help prevent cavities. If you drink bottled water often, you may be missing the benefits of fluoridation. To learn about the fluoride level in the water, check the label. If it is not listed, you should contact the manufacturer. For children under three years old For children three to six years old Have more questions? Visit MouthHealthy.org fluoride for the latest information about fluoride and fluoridation. Other Sources of Fluoride Not everyone lives in an area with fluoridated water. For those people, fluoride is available in other forms. If your community’s water does not have fluoride, talk to your dentist or physician about your family’s fluoride needs. Fluoride Supplements Fluoride pills, drops and lozenges are for children between 6 months and 16 years old who live in areas with little or no fluoride in the water and are at high risk of tooth decay. For best results, these fluoride products should be used every day until the child is 16 years old. Ask your child’s dentist or physician about your child’s fluoride needs. Supplements are available only by prescription. Over-the-Counter Fluoride Products Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses with the ADA Seal of Acceptance help prevent cavities in children and adults. When you shop for dental products, look for the ADA Seal so you know that a product is safe and effective. You and your children should brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. LOOK FOR DENTAL PRODUCTS THAT DISPLAY THE ADA SEAL OF ACCEPTANCE. What Is the Best Way to Get Fluoride? Teeth get fluoride in two ways: • when it is swallowed • when it is put onto the tooth’s surface To prevent cavities, it is best to get a little bit of fluoride both ways. Tap Water Fluoride that is swallowed usually comes from tap water. In some parts of the U.S., the tap water naturally has just the right amount of fluoride. In other places, the tap water does not have enough fluoride. So, some cities and towns add fluoride to the tap water. This is called water fluoridation. Many communities in the U.S. adjust the level of fluoride in their public water systems to 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water (0.7 mg/L). This is the recommended level in drinking water for good oral health. Almost 75% of the people in the U.S. have public water systems that are fluoridated. Topical Fluoride When fluoride is put onto the surface of your teeth, it is called topical fluoride. Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses sold in stores are one way for your teeth to get topical fluoride. Also, your dentist can apply a fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth. Home Water Treatment Systems Your home water filter system might remove fluoride from the water. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems can remove fluoride. However, filters that come in pitchers or attach to your faucet generally do not remove a lot of fluoride. Check with the maker of the product to learn if the filter or system removes fluoride from your drinking water. BEST SELLER Fluoride: Nature’s Cavity Fighter This resource clears up common questions about the best ways to get fluoride, fluoride safety, community water fluoridation and how much fluoride is recommended for children. • Explains that fluoride is safe, natural, and helps prevent cavities • Lists the benefits of fluoride and community water fluoridation • Informs patients on safe amounts of fluoride in their drinking water and how to find out if their community water or well water contains fluoride W102 8 panels, 50 per pack BEST SELLER Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums This step-by-step guide discusses the importance of a home care routine in plain language. • Includes detailed brushing and flossing photos • Explains the cause of decay and gum disease • Patients will understand that it is easier and less expensive to prevent disease and decay than to treat them LANGUAGES AVAILABLE W135 English, 8 panels, 50 per pack W211 Spanish PERSONALIZE IT! DAB011 ADA brochures help your patients easily understand oral health topics like fluoride. Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums Prevention Pricing for Brochures STANDARD BROCHURES PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $30.00 $45.00 2–9 $25.50 $38.25 10+ $22.50 $33.75 PERSONALIZED BROCHURES QTY MEMBER RETAIL 150 $90.00 $135.00 400 $216.00 $324.00 800 $408.00 $616.00 ORDER BY PHONE: 800.947.4746 60 61 ORDER ONLINE: ADASTORE.ORG inside front cover inside back cover interior panel PATIENT EDUCATION HYGIENE