Brushing Teeth
“Show Them Pearly-Whites”

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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.