“Show Them Pearly-Whites”
- Take your child to the store to choose a toothbrush. Make sure it is developmentally appropriate, colorful and interesting.
- Buy a second toothbrush so that your child can pretend to brush a doll’s teeth.
- Give your child the toothbrush to play with. Let your child place it in water and suck the water off of it.
- Have your child brush teeth at set times through the day (e.g., in the morning, after meals, before bed).
- Make sure the toothpaste tastes good (toothpaste is not essential).
- Allow your child to place the toothpaste on the toothbrush. Assist if necessary.
- Have your child take small sips of water and then spit it out into the sink.
- Model placing toothpaste on the toothbrush and brushing teeth.
- Have your child brush teeth in front of a mirror.
- Stand behind your child and physically assist with the motions (up and down, back and forth) of brushing teeth.
- Narrate the sequence of brushing teeth as you assist your child through the steps.
- Remove the physical prompts as your child becomes more confident with brushing teeth.
