A. During your regular appointment, be sure to ask your hygienist to demonstrate the best way to brush your teeth. Everyone’s teeth are unique and your hygienist can help you improve your oral hygiene.

For all patients, Dr. Chaudhry recommends using a toothbrush with small head and soft bristles. You need a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste.

When you brush, be sure to hold the bristles gently against the outside of your teeth near the gum line. Keep the bristles at about a 45-degree angle. Sweep the brush back and forth or in small circular motions. Pay special attention to the space between the teeth and near the gums.

Next, clean the inside of your teeth, again paying special attention to the gumline and spaces between teeth.

Then clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Finally, brush your tongue gently.

A. Flossing is probably the single most important thing you can do to protect your teeth from plaque. Plaque causes decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Brushing removes much of the plaque, but floss cleans areas a toothbrush can’t reach.

At your next dental appointment, ask your hygienist to watch you floss. Our hygienists are skilled teachers and can help you improve your technique.

The basic technique calls for using a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Wrap it around the middle finger of each hand, leaving a gap of about 4 inches. Use different combinations of your thumbs and index fingers to move the floss throughout your mouth. (Relaxing your cheeks and lips helps make it easier to reach every part of your mouth.)

Gently slip the floss between each tooth, rubbing the floss up and down the surface of your tooth. Just like when you’re brushing, make sure you go all the way to the gumline. Don’t forget the back side of your last molars.

If you’re having trouble, try a different type of floss. Floss comes in different widths, styles, and even flavors.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help during your next appointment. Flossing is too important to skip.

A. Even before teeth erupt, a baby can develop tooth decay. This occurs when your child falls asleep with a bottle filled with anything other than water. The sugars in formula, milk, breastmilk, and juice can pool in the mouth and cause what we call early childhood caries.

Parents can clean a baby’s teeth with a clean, soft cloth. At about 18 months, introduce a dab of toothpaste and soft brush.

At about age 3, you can help your child learn to brush his or her own teeth. It’s important to help youngsters develop a healthy diet and healthy oral hygiene at this age. Limiting soda and sugar snacks now will have a big payback later.

Talk to Dr. Chaudhry about when your child should come for his or her own appointment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting. Dr. Chaudhry can help you decide what’s best for your child.