Brushing 101: Helping Toddler Brush

Hi! I'm Dr. Karrie - a mom of 3 wiggly boys and a Pediatric Dentist! 

I understand the struggle of brushing a moving target! 

This is a video I show my parents in my office for kids age 2.5 to 6 years old  - kids who can stand at the sink!

The goal is to contact the toothbrush bristles to your little one's teeth, brushing off the food plaque from the day.

At this age your child's attention span is still quite short, so efficiency is KEY! 

How do you brush efficiently on a child who then wants to go play? 

Watch this video to see positioning:

1 -  Have your child stand at the sink looking at himself/herself in the mirror (use a step stool if needed). 

2 - Gently support your child's head/neck with your non-dominant forearm/wrist.

3 -  Use your non-dominant hand/fingers to gently lift the upper lip, while the brush-holding hand is brushing your child's teeth in small circles. Then slide your non-dominant hand to gently pull the left cheek out, and your brush-holding hand is now brushing the left top/ bottom molars.  Do this all round the mouth (lower lip/lower teeth, and then right cheek and right molars).  This can be done efficiently in about 10-15 seconds! 

If you're a multi-tasker, you're welcome to sing a song to make it fun!

4 - Then give your child a big hug and high five for positive reinforcement!

5 - Like anything else this age, consistency and routine is KEY! 

Do this every night and he/she will realize brushing doesn't hurt and its actually fun!