No kid wants a painful cavity, but some kids don't want to take the time to properly clean their teeth. Your child can begin brushing his own teeth once he is old enough to control a toothbrush, but he still needs parental supervision to make sure the job gets done right. According to the American Dental Association, brushing and flossing are enough for most children as most cities add fluoride to drinking water. If your drinking water does not have fluoride in it, ask your dentist about using a fluoride rinse. Your child should see a dentist twice a year, beginning within six months after he sprouts his first tooth.
Brushing for Kids Ages 2 and Up
Step 1
Squeeze a pea-size amount of toothpaste containing fluoride onto a child-size, soft-bristle brush.
Step 2
Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums and gently brush back and forth across each tooth. Brush all sides of each tooth, including the top, front and back sides.
Step 3
Place the toothbrush vertical against the inside or back of the teeth and brush up and down.
Step 4
Spit out the excess toothpaste as you brush for three minutes.
Step 5
Brush the tongue to remove bacteria.
Step 6
Rinse the mouth with a cup of water. Swish the water around in the mouth and spit it out. Brush twice a day.
Flossing for Kids Ages 2 and Up
Step 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss on your left middle finger. Wind the remaining floss on your right middle finger.
Step 2
Move the floss gently between two teeth, from the end of the tooth, going toward the gums. Curve the floss up once you reach the gums. Remove the floss from the teeth.
Step 3
Release the dirty part of the floss just used onto your right middle finger, winding it up so you have a fresh area of floss to use as you continue to floss the teeth.
Step 4
Floss each and every tooth in this way at least once a day.
Tips and Warnings
- Set a timer to ensure your child brushes for three minutes. Get a new toothbrush every three months.
- Swallowing too much fluoride can cause white spots on the teeth in children under age 6, warns the CDC. This is why it's important to only apply a pea-size amount of toothpaste and ensure your child spits it out and doesn't swallow the toothpaste.
Things You'll Need
- Toothpaste with fluoride
- Dental floss
