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"Let me tell you about a WIC appointment I had about a year ago. My son Kaleb was 15 months at the time. Kaleb was being super cute and making faces at the counselor. She noticed Kaleb’s new top teeth! She asked if I had taken Kaleb to the dentist yet. I said no, because he only had four teeth! She said that it is important to take a baby to the dentist once their first teeth arrive. So, I asked her for a list of names and phone numbers of dentists. After reviewing the list, I called to make an appointment.

A few weeks later, I was sitting in the dentist’s office with Kaleb. The dentist asked if I had been brushing Kaleb’s new teeth. I told her we had not started brushing yet. She said it was a good idea to start. Then, she showed me how to brush Kaleb’s teeth. That information was so helpful!

Brushing a child's teeth: 7 steps to follow

1. First, put the toothpaste on the toothbrush. Adults should do this, not the child. For children under 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste. It should be about the size of a grain of rice. For children 3 and up, the toothpaste should be about the size of a pea.

2. Next, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

3. Brush gently, back and forth, using short strokes. Be sure to brush the front, back, chewing surfaces, and in between teeth!

4. For the back of the front teeth, turn the brush facing upward. Brush up and down a few times.

5. Brush the tongue to help keep breath fresh and remove bacteria.

6. During and after brushing, have your child spit out toothpaste. Do not let your child swallow the toothpaste. Wondering what to do if your child cannot spit yet? Have them lean over the sink while you brush their teeth. This will let toothpaste drip out of their mouth as you brush.

7. Do this 2 times a day, every day. Once in the morning, and once before bed.

This was great advice! The dentist is the perfect person to ask about brushing because they are right there looking at your child’s teeth. I have started taking Kaleb to the dentist every 6 months. The dentist even knows how to tell me if I am missing spots when I brush Kaleb’s teeth. This is really helpful so I can do an even better job. Good luck and happy brushing!" -Terisa, mom of 1

Video

Check out this video from the American Dental Association! It will show you the steps of toothbrushing.