C-SHAPE FLOSSING TECHNIQUE
LO WIC FAMI
EL LY
H width length (18-24")
LEARN HOW TO
IMPROVE YOUR ORAL
HEALTH
By: Seattle Central College Dental Hygiene Program
Class of 2024
Improving dental self-care
routine for you and your child:
Brush 2x per day
Clean in-between your teeth 1x per day
Regular dental visits based on your
recommended routine dental exam and
cleanings
Adopting the proper techniques and routine
can help reduce oral diseases like cavities
and tooth loss from periodontal disease.
Preventative measures like proper diet, self-
care, and routine dental visits can reduce
sudden tooth pain and emergency visits.
The American Dental Assosciation (ADA)
recommends a soft-bristle toothbrush for any age
TOOTHBRUSH TECHNIQUE
Modified bass technique
Use the same technique when assisting children with home care
1. Angle bristles 45-degrees from
the gumline.
2. Brush with 10 small back &
forth vibratory motions. End
with a swiping up motion
3. Gently brushing each area,
covering 2-3 teeth each time
for a total of 2 minutes
4. Tilt brush vertically for
the front teeth, using the
same motion.
. 5. Change toothbrush every 3
months,, when you are sick, or
when bristles are splayed.
***splayed bristles may be an indicator
of too much pressure, and can cause
traumatize the gums or teeth
TIPS: Area with crowded teeth - use a child’s
toothbrush or end-tuft brush
1. Grab floss shoulder-to-shoulder
2. Wrap on middle fingers, keeping
¾ - 1 inch on index finger
3. Gently ‘see-saw’ down toward
gums (avoid traumatizing gums)
4. Wrap floss into a C-Shape
5. Swipe up-down 3x on both sides of the teeth,
making sure to go slightly below the gum line.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 until all surfaces are flossed
***Technique can be used with Floss pick***
WHAT TYPE OF EMBRASURE SPACE
DO YOU HAVE?
Healthy Class I Class II Class III
different
Interdental
brush size:
WHAT TOOL SHOULD YOU USE TO
CLEAN IN-BETWEEN YOUR TEETH?
Full embrasure space & tight contact
Floss Pick
Waxed floss or woven
floss
Class I embrasure space & furcation
Soft pick
Interdental brush (size: tight
or small)
Class II-III embrasure space & Class IV
furcation
Interdental brush
Wooden picks

YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT
Celebrating your baby's milestones includes their first dental
visit! Schedule it after the first tooth appears, but no later
than the first birthday. Early dental care prevents cavities &
sets the stage for a lifetime of smiles!
How to Prepare:
Start early! Talk to your child positively about the visit
Practice opening their mouth together to ease any
anxiety
Use books or videos to make the experience less scary
Caregivers:
Ask for necessary forms ahead of time
Prepare questions about teething, thumb-sucking, or
pacifier use
Tips for a Great Visit:
Avoid naptime for appointments.
Make sure your child eats a light meal and brushes
their teeth before the visit so they won’t be hungry
This should be a happy experience! You and the
dentist are on the same team!
Don't worry if your child cries; this is new to them and
this is normal!
FLUORIDE
Fluoride sources:
Toothpaste with “sodium fluoride”
Mouth-rinses containing “sodium fluoride”
Tap water (community fluoridated water)
Fluoride treatments in dental offices
Supplements (prescribed for children who
are at high risk for tooth decay)
Food: tea, grapes, potatoes, seafood
What is the correct amount of fluoride
toothpaste?
Under 2 yo Age 2-5 yo 5 yo or older
grain of rice pea-sized 3/4 - 1 inch
Read directions on toothpaste; commonly, most
toothpastes do not need to be rinsed after use
PREGNANCY
Morning sickness causes teeth to be
exposed to stomach acid.
Manage the pH in your mouth:
Rinse mouth with 1 tsp of
baking soda mixed in water
after vomitting
**it is recommended to AVOID brushing after vomiting.
Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
TIPS & SUGGESTIONS: When unable to maintain
dental homecare routine due to morning sickness
Regularly rinse mouth with water after
consumption of food/ drinks
Brush at different times of the day (when you feel
your best)
Use a smaller toothbrush
Lean your head forward while brushing
NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY
Foods that support the immune system to
help gum inflammation in pregnant women:
Vitamin C: oranges, strawberries,
tomatos, kiwi, broccoli, kale
Vitamin A: sweet potatoes, kale,
broccoli, carrots, spinach, pumpkin
High in omega-3 fats: nuts, tofu,
brussel sprouts, avocado, salmon
Foods supporting healthy teeth
development in babies:
Calcium: dairy (milk, cheese,
yogurt), fortified cereal, juice
Vitamin D: salmon, swordfish,
tuna, dairy, fortified cereal
Foods that cause cavities:
baked goods, candy, ice-cream
concentrated fruit juices, soda
dried fruit, fruit snacks
4 WAYS TO REDUCE RISK OF
CAVITIES
1. Brush and floss 2x/day to remove any
food particles.
2. Limit snacking in-between meals
3. Make food and beverage choices with
less added sugars
4. Include dairy, plenty of fruits and
vegetables, and water in your diet
WASHINGTON APPLE HEALTH
YOUR FAMILY'S PATH TO DENTAL HEALTH
Washington State Health Care Authority is
here to help your family access affordable
dental and health care with little or no cost
Pregnant women and children can access
Medicaid, including post-pregnancy
coverage.
For more information about receiving care
through medicaid.
VISIT: https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-
health-care
NEED HELP GETTING THERE?
COMMUNITY HEALTH PLAN OF WASHINGTON IS HERE TO HELP!
Community Health plan of Washington
provides transportation assistance including
public transit, gas vouchers, mileage
reimbursement, taxis, wheelchair-accessible
vehicles, and ferry tickets.
VISIT:
https://www.chpw.org/chpw-benefits-plus/free-ride/
NEED A TRANSLATOR?
Community clinics in Washington happily
offer translation services to ensure every WIC
family feels understood and supported