Brushing BasicsBrushing Basics

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

for Healthy Teeth and Gums

for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Activity Book Activity Book

Floss your teeth once every day.

Avoid sugary drinks and

foods.

55 Steps for Steps for

Healthy TeethHealthy Teeth1

2

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5

Brush your teeth twice every day.

Visit your den st twice

a year.

Eat fruits and vegetables

daily.

What comes next? Draw the next picture in each pa ern.

BRUSHING BASICSIt is important to brush a child’s teeth twice a day to ensure the removal of plaque to prevent tooth decay. Until the age of six, children should be supervised while brushing and flossing. Brushing should last for at least two minutes. Many children, under the age of 6, need adults to help with brushing and flossing.

What do I need to use for brushing my teeth?You need a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fl uoride in it.

How much toothpaste will I need?Babies need only a smear of toothpaste while children under the age of 5 may use a dab (smaller than a pea).

How long do I need to brush my teeth?Brush for two minutes.

Why do I need to fl oss my teeth?Flossing can remove food and plaque that your toothbrush cannot reach.

How do I fl oss?Use about 18 inches of fl oss but leave about two inches between your fi ngers to use. Gently slide fl oss between your teeth, following the curves of the teeth.

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Brush, brush, brush your teethAt least two times a day.

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning,Fighting tooth decay.

Floss, floss, floss your teethGently around your gums.

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,Flossing can be fun.

Rinse, rinse, rinse your teeth.Keep them clean and bright.

They’ll be healthy, they’ll be strongIf you treat them right.

Let‛s Sing the Tooth Brushing Song!

BRUSH, BRUSH, BRUSH YOUR TEETH(Sing this tooth brushing song to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat”)

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3

1111

9

10108

7

1212

1818

16161717

1515

13131414

2323

2222

2121

2424

2525

1919

2020

Complete the dot to dot picture. Color the picture.

Ea ng fruits and vegetables can

help keep your teeth healthy.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior ServicesOffi ce of Primary Care and Rural Health

P. O. Box 570Jeff erson City, MO 65102-0570

573.751.6219www.health.mo.gov/oralhealth

Alternate forms of this publication for persons with disabilities contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Offi ce Primary Care and Rural Health,

P.O. Box 570, Jeff erson City, MO 65102, 573.751.6219. Hearing- and speech-impaired citizens can dial 711.

EEO/AAP services provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.#85