Your toddler should brush her teeth ideally after each meal but at least two times per day, with a brushing after her last meal being the most important one to prevent tooth decay from remnants of food left in her mouth overnight, according to BabyCentre.co.uk. If your toddler is restless, it may become a challenge to engage her in brushing her teeth, so you can be creative and turn this important task into a game that engages her attention. Your toddler will need your full attention while brushing her teeth in order to avoid any accidents, such as ingesting large amounts of toothpaste that may be toxic to her health.
Step 1
Buy a toothbrush that is small enough to fit in your toddler's mouth and has soft bristles that will be gentle on his gums. You can engage your toddler by letting him pick out his own toothbrush. Toothbrushes designed for children often have themes and the handles are made to look like cartoon characters and animals. There are also battery-powered toothbrushes that can help make tooth brushing fun.
Step 2
Choose a toothpaste designed for children that will have a milder taste than those made for adults. Look for ones that contain fluoride, since, according to the Mayo Clinic, it is the most important ingredient in toothpaste. Fluoride helps polish enamel and fight cavities.
Step 3
Take your toddler to the bathroom sink and provide a stepping stool if the sink is too high for her to reach the faucet and see herself in the mirror. It is important she can see her reflection so she can stay engaged in the activity.
Step 4
Ask you toddler to point out any visible food stuck in his teeth and let him help you put some toothpaste on the tip of his toothbrush.
Step 5
Fill a small cup with temperate water that your toddler can use to rinse her mouth initially, before brushing her teeth.
Step 6
Teach him to use gentle circular motions on his teeth and molars to remove food and plaque from his teeth. Your dentist can provide you with plaque disclosing tablets that your toddler can chew on after brushing his teeth. These tablets contain a red dye that will turn plaque pink, showing where it is still necessary to brush, according to the American Dental Association.
Step 7
Fill the small cup with water again so that your toddler can use it to rinse out any toothpaste.
Tips and Warnings
- Take your toddler to a dental checkup to ensure the optimal health of her teeth.
Things You'll Need
- Small toothbrush with soft bristles
- Toothpaste with fluoride
- Cup for water
- Stepping stool (optional)
- Plaque revealing tablets
