Brushing

Start By Brushing Kids’ Teeth for Them

Young children don’t have the fine motor skills necessary to brush and floss their own teeth effectively. While not one of the most fun ways to teach kids to brush their teeth, brushing for them is necessary for the first few years. Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts using a soft, infant-sized toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, no larger than a grain of rice. Floss their teeth once a day when any two teeth are touching.

Let Kids Try Brushing Their Teeth on Their Own

Once your toddler or preschooler is able to hold the toothbrush correctly, let them try to brush their own teeth in front of a mirror. Most children learn best by doing. However, again, little kids don’t have the dexterity to effectively brush all of their tooth surfaces and it’s recommended parents supervise teeth brushing until children are around seven or years of age. So, have your child brush their own teeth first while you watch and then do a quick follow up if necessary to eliminate any lingering plaque. Using a mirror will help keep them on task and let them see what they’re doing. Kids who don’t brush their teeth on their own at all will have a harder time picking up the technique when they’re older.

Use the Correct Tools

Using a children’s toothbrush and tasty, kid-friendly toothpaste will go a long way in helping kids learn to brush their teeth. A child-sized toothbrush will fit in their mouth and be much more comfortable and easier for them to maneuver. A fun kid’s toothbrush will also get them excited and when they like the taste of their toothpaste, there is usually less of a struggle.

Aside from a children’s toothbrush and toothpaste, consider a toothbrushing timer app or an old-fashioned timer. It can be hard for kids to gauge what two minutes is (hey, it can be hard for adults too!). A timer or toothbrushing timer app will make things easier because it will alert kids when their two minutes of brushing is up.

Watch Teeth Brushing Videos for Kids

Watching a brushing teeth video for kids is great for visual learners. Children can see the correct tooth brushing technique in action and then replicate it on themselves. A quick search on YouTube will turn up a ton of teeth brushing videos for kids that are educational and entertaining.

Brush Your Teeth Together

Brushing together is another of the fun ways to teach kids to brush their teeth. Make a big deal out of brushing time and turn it into a family bonding activity. Have your child mimic what you do and use the same technique, so that while they’re having a blast, they’re also learning how to brush correctly.