5 Tooth Brushing Tips for Your Little One

Very young children don’t know how to brush their teeth and must be taught how. As a parent, it’s your job to help your child with this task. There are many things you can do to help your child learn to brush and take care of their teeth. Here’s what we suggest for parents of toddlers and early grade school ages.

1. Teach Them to Brush

When children are just toddlers, they are not capable of brushing their teeth well on their own. They don’t have hand-eye coordination, nor do they understand how important it is to reach all their teeth. At this point, you should be doing most of the brushing.

When your child gets older, around five or six years old, you should be teaching them to brush by modeling good brushing, and then letting them do it on their own.

2. Use a Soft-Bristled Brush

Children don’t need medium or hard-bristled brushes. Use a toothbrush designed for their age group. Make sure the bristles are soft.

3. Set a Time Limit

Time your child while they’re brushing their teeth. Ideally, they’ll be brushing their teeth for two minutes, but if your child is very young, they may not be able to tolerate an activity of this nature that is two minutes long. You may be able to keep them engaged by showing them a short entertaining video on your phone.

4. Use Fluoride Toothpaste – Know How Much

Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children of all ages, but using the correct amount of toothpaste is important. If your child is under three years old, use a small smear of toothpaste. If your child is between the ages of 3 and 6, use a pea-sized amount. Supervise your child while they brush their teeth to ensure they don’t swallow the toothpaste.

5. Consult With Your Child’s Dentist

Your child’s dentist can help your child learn how to brush their teeth. Consult with your child’s dentist during their next appointment. Your child’s dentist can show your child how to brush their teeth appropriately. To make an appointment for an examination and tooth cleaning, call Southern Oaks Dental Care.