Little Teeth

Brushing Tips

Tips for Brushing with Your 4- to 6-Year-Old

By now, your children will want to brush their teeth all on their own, which is great. However, at this age most children don't quite have the coordination or patience to do the job right, so you'll need to supervise brushing until they're at least 6. You can help minimize swallowing, make sure they've brushed for 2 full minutes, and finish off any spot they may have missed.

The right amount of toothpaste.Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste such as Aquafresh Kids Toothpaste.

Clean all surfaces of their teethTeach them to clean each tooth with a gentle circular motion, starting at one end of each row and cleaning all the way to the other end. Make sure that they brush the front, back and tops of teeth.

Gums are important, too. Make sure your children use a circular motion that includes the gum line where plaque can build up.

Brush for 2 minutes, twice a day.Two minutes can feel like a long time to kids, so get them to time themselves if necessary. A gentle scrub is enough — brushing too hard can damage little gums. Only use a soft bristled toothbrush. When your children are finished brushing, you should brush the spots they tend to miss (think backs of teeth and the inside surfaces). After brushing, your children should spit out but not rinse with water. That way, the fluoride can continue to protect their teeth.

Choosing the right brush

Using a brush that has been specifically designed for children helps make effective brushing much easier — for them and for you. The soft bristles ensure that those enthusiastic little hands do not damage the teeth and gums.

Children have a wondrous ability to really run with something once they understand it. It's all part of the magical experience of learning and growing. Taking care of their own teeth is one of these things. Once they understand that it's important and why it's important, they'll be checking up on your brushing routine!