Taking care of your teeth is a lifelong hygiene habit and the younger the better when it comes to learning how to brush. If you’re having trouble teaching your kids how to take care of their teeth, there are certain things you can do to make sure your kids keep their teeth as healthy as possible. When your kids reach the independent toddler stage and want to brush their own teeth, it’s important to both allow them independence and to make sure their teeth are actually clean.
Step 1
Squeeze a pea-sized drop of children’s toothpaste onto your toddler’s toothbrush, and then do the same to your own toothbrush.
Step 2
Allow your child to hold the toothbrush and then place your hand over hers to help control the brushing action.
Step 3
Brush your toddler’s teeth with him, showing him how to brush inside and out, top and bottom.
Step 4
Remove your hand from the toothbrush and allow your child to brush independently while you brush your own teeth.
Step 5
Rinse your mouth, showing your child how to swish the water around to remove the toothpaste, and then have him rinse in the same way.
Step 6
Compare your teeth together in the mirror and decide if they are shiny enough to be considered clean. If you see a spot that has been missed, repeat the process until you both pass the “shiny test.”
