At Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we know that brushing your toddler’s teeth can be quite a challenge. Yet it is important to keep those baby teeth healthy! Long-term dental health is built on a foundation of good hygiene habits instilled at an early age. Consistent, daily hygiene not only makes for healthy teeth and gums but an attractive smile too! We have broken down our toddler-tooth brushing process for you into six steps.
Get Ready
Have your toddler’s toothbrush ready with a pea-sized amount of American Dental Association-approved toothpaste.
Tag-Team
If you both parents can tag-team the toddler, the easiest way to brush her teeth is with you both seated, facing each other knee-to-knee. With your toddler reclining on your laps, one parent brushes her teeth while the other parent gently holds her hands.
This can also be accomplished alone by laying your child on her back in your lap and wrapping your legs around your child’s legs while cradling her head in your arms.
Distraction
Distract your child while letting her play with a small toy, such as a ball or a plastic car. Even dentists have a hard time brushing toddler teeth. But you still need to do it, SO DON’T GIVE UP!
Brush the Top
Brush your child’s top teeth in small circular motions around the gum area and on both the outside surface as well as the inside surface.
Brush the Bottom
Now, brush her bottom teeth. Same circular motions are necessary to remove debris from sticky places close to gum line.
- To hold your toddler’s lips away from her teeth, make a hook shape with your finger.
- Never put your fingers between your child’s teeth (ouch).
Let Your Child Brush
One you have brushed her upper and lower teeth, LET YOUR TODDLER TRY!
Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry has demo of this procedure! To watch a complete video on how to brush your toddler’s teeth, click on the TV icon at the bottom of the home page.
The ages between one and three are prime toddler time for exploration, learning and acquiring a sense of independence. With patience and persistence, you can teach your child a valuable life skill: excellent oral hygiene habits.
Please contact us at (919) 719-1780 or schedule an appointment online to bring your toddler in for her twice-yearly exams. Our goal is always to make sure you and your child look forward to your visits to our offices in Raleigh, Garner and Smithfield, NC.