What Are Some Ideas for Teaching Good Brushing Habits?
• Take your child toothbrush shopping. Let them choose among all the colors and designs for child-size toothbrushes. Giving kids a chance to select the one they want helps them feel part of the process. Just make sure it has soft bristles. • Show your child how to brush properly. Place only a pea-sized amount (at most) of toothpaste on their toothbrush. Tell them this is all that’s needed and no more should be used (too much toothpaste at a young age is not recommended). If your child objects to using toothpaste, just brushing alone is fine. Brushing with water works, too (but the fluoride in fluoride toothpaste acts as a cavity-fighter and provides extra protection). • Provide positive reinforcement. Give them colorful stickers. Make up a chart and have them place a sticker on it every time they brush. • Put a sticky note on the bathroom mirror with a smiley face reminding your child to brush. When your child is old enough to read, post the 10 Tips from the Tooth Fairy (found on this
