We have been looking at our teeth in class this week, learning about all the different types of teeth we have in our mouth, we learnt about incisors, molars and canines, baby teeth and wisdom teeth. Most pupils in the senior room have fissure seals on their back molars, this protects their teeth against decay. We learnt about the good things to eat for healthy teeth. It’s also very important to eat snacks at meal times and not in between. we must remember to change our toothbrushes very regularly, every 2 to 3 months and especially after you have been ill.

We learnt about the importance of brushing our teeth twice a day and each child went home with a brushing chart to encourage brushing both morning and night, the chart is a 30 day chart so it will bring the children right up to Christmas.

1. (1) Help your child with brushing in the morning and at bedtime
2. (2) Use Soft/Medium Toothbrush Brush for 2-3 minutes
3. (3) Use a pea sized amount of Fluoride Toothpaste, use a standard toothpaste suitable for all the family
4. (4) Brush two teeth at a time (width of your toothbrush)
5. (5)Count to ten for every two teeth you brush
6. (6) Brush gums and teeth with toothbrush and toothpaste in circular motion
7. (7) Brush top and bottom teeth
8. (8) Brush outside of teeth and gums, inside of teeth and gums and biting surface
9. (9) Spit out after brushing – No rinsing
10. (10) Change your toothbrush every 2/3 months

Remember our roots are very important and must be looked after just as much as your teeth to maintain a healthy mouth.

The photos and the 10 point list are from http://www.dentalhygiene.ie and you can download the brushing chart in colour from this site.