If you hope to avoid painful trips to the dentist with your child, start her on the road to good oral hygiene early. Many kids won't like it, but brushing should be a nonnegotiable part of each day at every age. The difficulty of this activity can vary depending on how well your child cooperates. Some kids love to brush their teeth. Others run and scream the moment the brush comes out. Many parents wonder when to switch to fluoridated toothpaste. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using fluoridated toothpaste as soon as the teeth begin to appear. Before then, you can gently clean the gums with a soft cloth and water.
Instructions
1. If your child is young or is a toddler, put the toothpaste on the toothbrush for him until he can properly use the right amount. Small children should use a tiny smear; preschoolers and kindergarten-age kids should use a pea-sized amount.
2. If your child is old enough, allow her to brush a little on her own as you look on. Provide gentle encouragement and instruction as she does so. For very small children, hold them gently by the chin with one hand and brush with the other.
3. If your child is a toddler or young elementary school student, take over when he is finished and give his teeth a more thorough brushing, starting from the beginning. Even if it looks like he has done a thorough job, kids aren't as dexterous as adults and still can miss many places. Many kids can reliably brush on their own starting at about age 6, but use your best judgment rather than a specific age to help determine the right time.
4. Provide your child a cup of water and allow her to rinse and spit. Many kids like to simply sip and spit, so make sure they learn to swish the water a little to rid the mouth of toothpaste residue.
5. When you're done, brush the tongue. Not only will it clean the tongue, but many kids enjoy this step.
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