Teaching Your Toddler How to Brush Their Teeth Properly

Posted on 5/15/2025 by NC Pediatric Dentisty

Mother and young son smiling while brushing their teeth together in a bright bathroom, demonstrating a family dental hygiene routine.

As your child enters the exciting stage of toddlerhood, they are learning new skills seemingly every day. From mastering the art of walking and talking to experimenting with new foods and activities, their world is filled with exploration and discovery. It’s also a time when establishing good dental hygiene habits is crucial. This includes teaching your toddler how to brush their teeth properly, a skill that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Setting the Stage for Success

Before diving into the mechanics of brushing, setting the stage for a positive experience is key. Here are some tips:

•	Make it fun: Turn brushing into a game or song. Play their favorite tunes or create a silly story about brushing away the sugar bugs.
•	Lead by example: Let your child see you brushing your teeth regularly. This will show them that brushing is an important part of your daily routine.
•	Use a timer: Set a timer for two minutes to ensure they brush for the recommended amount of time.
•	Provide positive reinforcement: Praise your child for their efforts, no matter how messy things get at first.

Mastering the Brushing Technique

Now comes the fun part – teaching your little one the proper brushing technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1~	Wet the toothbrush with lukewarm water and apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
2~	Divide the mouth into four sections: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.
3~	Start with the upper right section. Angle the brush 45 degrees towards the gum line and use gentle back-and-forth motions, brushing each tooth for about 10 seconds.
4~	Repeat this process for the remaining three sections.
5~	Don’t forget the tongue! Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Keeping it Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to establishing good habits. Aim to brush your child’s teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. If they are old enough, encourage them to brush independently while you supervise and offer guidance.

Partnering with Your Child Dentist

As your child’s partner in dental health, your child dentist can play a significant role in teaching them proper brushing techniques. During their regular checkups, your child dentist will demonstrate the correct brushing method and answer any questions you may have. They can also provide personalized advice based on your child’s individual needs.

By working together as a team, you can help your child develop healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime. Remember, teaching your toddler how to brush their teeth properly is an investment in their oral health and overall well-being.

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About NC Pediatric Dentistry - Expert Kids' Dental Care
NC Pediatric Dentistry offers kid-friendly dental care across NC. We provide fun, safe, and educational experiences for children. Learn more today!
NC Pediatric Dentistry, 202 Williamson Rd. Suite 200, Mooresville, NC 28117 | tbd | ncpediatricdentistry.com | 5/29/2025 | Associated Words: pediatric dentist |

Teaching Your Toddler How to Brush Their Teeth Properly

Setting the Stage for Success

Mastering the Brushing Technique

Keeping it Consistent

Partnering with Your Child Dentist

Smiles from ear-to-ear with locations from here-to-here.

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A BETTER DENTAL EXPERIENCE