How should a toddler's teeth be brushed?

Teething Forum
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When I even try to stick my finger in her mouth, our one-year-old acts like I’m ripping her teeth out. What are some of your best suggestions or methods for brushing your child’s teeth without hearing them scream like the entire planet?

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Hi!

Brushing a toddler’s teeth can be a bit challenging, but it’s crucial for their dental health.

Here are some tips to make the process easier and more effective:

  1. Use the Right Tools: Choose a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for those 3 and older).

  2. Positioning: Sit behind your child or have them recline against your chest. This gives you better control and visibility.

  3. Brushing Technique: Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and use gentle, circular motions. Make sure to brush all surfaces, including the back teeth and along the gum line.

  4. Make It Fun: Turn brushing into a fun activity by singing songs, telling stories, or using a timer app. Let your child choose their toothbrush or a favorite toy to hold during brushing.

  5. Encourage Spitting: Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste after brushing to avoid swallowing too much fluoride.

  6. Supervise and Assist: Continue to help your child brush their teeth until they are around 6 to 8 years old, or until they can tie their shoelaces independently.

Regular brushing helps prevent cavities and sets the foundation for good oral hygiene habits.

If you have any specific concerns or need more detailed advice, feel free to ask!

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Brush a toddler’s teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush all surfaces of the teeth twice a day, and supervise to ensure proper technique and to prevent swallowing toothpaste.

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Daily brushing should start even before the first tooth develops. Clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth or a baby toothbrush. When the first tooth develops, brush gently with a rice grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Once the youngster reaches the age of three, gradually increase the quantity to the size of a pea.

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Hello Salvine, Brushing your toddler’s teeth is crucial for maintaining their oral health. Here’s a quick guide:

  1. Choose the right toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush designed for toddlers.
  2. Use fluoride toothpaste: A rice-grain-sized amount is sufficient for children under 3; for older children, use a pea-sized amount.
  3. Gentle brushing: Clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth with circular motions.
  4. Brush the tongue: Remove bacteria by gently brushing the tongue.
  5. Make it fun: Turn brushing into a game or sing a song to keep your child engaged.
  6. Supervise closely: Guide your child during brushing until they are about eight years old to ensure proper technique.
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Hi!

Brushing a toddler’s teeth can definitely be a bit of a challenge, but it’s so important for their dental health. Here are some tips that might help:

  1. Use the Right Tools: Get a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice for kids under 3, and a pea-sized amount for kids 3 and older).

  2. Make It Fun: Turn toothbrushing into a fun activity. Sing a song, tell a story, or use a timer app with a fun character to keep your toddler engaged.

  3. Demonstrate: Show your toddler how to brush by doing it yourself first. You can also use a doll or a toy to demonstrate.

  4. Positioning: Sit your child on your lap, facing away from you, or stand behind them. This gives you better control and visibility.

  5. Brush Gently: Use small, gentle circles to brush all surfaces of the teeth, including the back teeth and along the gum line.

  6. Encourage Spitting: Teach your toddler to spit out the toothpaste after brushing. This might take some practice, but it’s important to avoid swallowing too much fluoride.

  7. Routine: Brush twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Consistency helps build good habits.

  8. Praise and Reward: Give lots of praise and maybe even a small reward for good brushing behavior to encourage your toddler.

Hope these tips help make toothbrushing a bit easier and more enjoyable for both you and your little one!

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Thanks for these great tips! I’ve definitely found that making toothbrushing fun really helps. My toddler loves it when we sing a silly song together while brushing.

Also, the positioning tip is a game-changer, I didn’t realize how much easier it would be to brush their teeth when they’re sitting on my lap.

One thing I’ve been trying to figure out is how to teach my little one to spit out the toothpaste.

Do you have any tricks for that? It’s been a bit of a struggle, but I know it’s important. Thanks again for the advice!

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