Protecting Your Teeth
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Our friends at Keep the North County Smiling have great tips and tricks for keeping our teeth healthy and clean!
Did you know?
A Message from our friends at FDRHPO!
To download a copy of FDRHPO's most up-to-date information, including a directory of north country pediatric dentists, click HERE
Cavities are contagious! The bacteria that cause them can jump from mouth to mouth. Avoid sharing spoons or cups with others.
Are you rushing the brush? Science shows that brushing for a full 2 minutes removes significantly more plaque than a quick 45-second scrub. Use a timer or a favorite song!
Frayed bristles can’t reach the tight spaces where plaque hides. A worn brush cleans 30% less effectively. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months!
If you think brushing is a chore now, imagine what your ancestors had to deal with. The history of the toothbrush is a little… hairy.
3000 BC: You’re chewing on a twig (The "Chew Stick"). Actually, not a bad idea—they had natural antiseptics!
1498: The first "bristle" brush is invented in China. The bristles? Stiff hog hairs taken from the back of a pig’s neck.
1780: The modern toothbrush design was invented by William Addis… while he was in prison, using a cattle bone and glue.
1938: Finally! DuPont invents Nylon, and we stop putting animal hair in our mouths.
Next time you pick up your fresh, clean toothbrush, say a little "thank you" to science!
Why a "Sticker Chart" Actually Works
It’s not just about the sticker. It’s about the brain.
Behavioral science tells us that Visual Tracking (seeing a streak of checkmarks) + Positive Reinforcement (getting a reward) is the "magic formula" for habit formation.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) lists positive reinforcement as a proven behavior guidance technique.
The Strategy: Print out a brushing calendar for the month ahead! Putting a sticker on the chart every morning and night builds a "streak" that you don't want to break.
Choose from a couple below:
Does you play sports? Athletes are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth if they aren't wearing a mouthguard. From basketball to gymnastics—protect your smile!
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