At this age your little ones will be very independent, wanting to do most things – including tooth brushing, on their own. Whilst this should be encouraged you still need to be there to supervise and make sure the job is done properly.
Here are some tips for brushing with your 3-5 year old:
- Teach 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.
- Gums are important too so make sure the circular motion includes the gum line where plaque can build up as well. A gentle scrub does the job – don’t use too much force as brushing too hard can damage precious gums.
- Only ever use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, brushing for two minutes, twice a day.
- After brushing, your child should spit out but not rinse with water. That way, the fluoride can continue to protect their teeth.
- Using a brush that has been specifically designed for the oral developmental stage of children helps make effective brushing easy.
- Parents should remember to change brushes every 3 months. Changing toothbrushes every 3 months and after illness makes sure your brushing is always as effective as possible and reduces germ transfer.
- It’s important to gently and gradually encourage your child to brush their own teeth. Often the best way to do this is through the Tell – Show – Do method. Tell – explain to them how to brush properly. Show – demonstrate to them how it’s done correctly. Do – let your child try for themselves.
