How to Help Your Little One Brush Their Teeth

Children need their teeth to be brushed twice daily, just like adults. Unfortunately, until they reach a certain age, children lack the motor skills and coordination to brush their teeth properly.

As a parent, you can help your child brush their teeth, and learn the skills they need to be good at brushing their own teeth. Below are a few things you can do to help your child brush their teeth. The next time you bring your child to the dentist in Foley, AL, we can help with this as well.

1. Brush Their Teeth For Them

Until they’re about 7 or 8 years old, children are better off if an adult brushes their teeth for them. Make tooth brushing time a thing you do together, to ensure that your child’s teeth are getting clean when they brush. If your child is resistant to having you brush their teeth, let them brush too. Let them know that you’ll “polish” their teeth at the end, so they’ll expect that you’ll get a turn as well.

2. Brush For Two Minutes

Brush your child’s teeth for two minutes, just like you would if you were brushing your own teeth. You can show your child how to do this by playing a familiar song that’s two minutes in length. Stop brushing when the song ends.

Alternatively, you can also use a sand timer. Whether you’re brushing teeth for your child or they’re brushing their teeth on their own, show them how to use this type of timer.

3. Have the Dentist Give Them a Tutorial

The next time you go to the dentist with your child, ask the dentist to give your child a tooth brushing tutorial. Repeat this process every time you go to the dentist. Your child’s dentist will be able to show your child tooth brushing strategies, and will be able to give your child pointers to help them brush better.

4. Replace Their Toothbrush Regularly

Don’t forget to replace your child’s toothbrush every three months. This helps ensure that every time your child brushes their teeth, their toothbrush is able to do the job well.

At Sand Dollar Dental, we provide tooth cleanings and cavity fillings in Foley, AL to pediatric patients. Call today to make an appointment.