Many parents struggle to get their two and three-year-olds to cooperate. These tykes are often stubborn and willful, so much so that people will talk about the “terrible twos.” Still, you really should help your toddlers brush their teeth on a daily basis. This aid protects your little ones’ smiles and prepares them for a lifetime of good oral habits. As for the details, just keep reading to learn why and how to assist toddlers with teeth cleaning.
Why Brush Your Toddler’s Teeth?
Toddlers need their teeth brushed for the sake of their oral health. Without daily brushing, their smiles will face many long-term problems.
You see, toddlers face a very high risk of cavities. Many of their everyday habits – thumb-sucking, bottle-sipping, etc. – encourage tooth decay. Baby bottles even qualify as major threats, as they cause cavities, pain, premature loss of teeth, and more. Your child could easily sport toddler-sized tooth decay if things get bad enough.
The good news is that daily brushing reduces the decay risk. By helping your toddler with this habit, you’ll ensure their young teeth stay cavity-free.
Keep Childhood Milestones in Mind
Of course, you’ll need to adjust your “brushing help” to your child’s dental milestones. The approach you take should account for how old they are.
Note that a child’s mouth is busy from ages one to three. Most toddlers have all their baby teeth by their third birthday, so you’ll periodically “add” a tooth to their brushing routine until then. You’ll also want to upgrade to pea-sized dabs of toothpaste once your child is three years old.
Most children vary in terms of when they can brush their teeth themselves. Some are ready to handle the task by age six, while others need supervision for a year or two more.
How to Help Toddlers Brush Teeth
You only need to follow a few steps to help toddlers brush their teeth. In general, these are:
- Have the Right Supplies – Please have a small toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at hand.
- Prep Your Toddler – Ease your toddler into the brushing habit. You might have them watch a video about dental habits, show them how to brush on their favorite stuffed animal, etc.
- Ready Their Toothbrush – If your toddler is under age three, apply a grain-sized dab of toothpaste to their toothbrush. The dab can become pea-sized after their third birthday.
- Supervise & Assist – Supervise and assist with your child’s brushing. Gently brush all their teeth, including the hidden ones at the back of their mouth.
As you help toddlers brush their teeth, you’ll ready them for lives filled with strong smiles. Don’t forget that when your little one gets a bit willful!
About the Practice
Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen is based in Allen, TX. Led by Drs. Justin Chan and Sage Yoo, our practice is always eager to help a child’s smile thrive! We make that happen by offering preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative treatments suited to their mouth’s needs. That way, you can trust that your little one will have healthy teeth and gums for years. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (469)-663-0098.