How do you teach a 1 year to brush thier teeth?
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1 year olds shouldn't be brushing their teeth by them self. Until you child can write their name in cursive, they don't have the dexterity to brush properly. Let him/her take a turn, but you need to be the one doing the brushing.
At that age, get a very small, soft-bristled brush and let the child get used to you moving it around in their mouth. You can't teach them to do it themselves yet as they don't have the muscle development or motor skills yet.
Let your child watch you brush your teeth. They want to do what they see adults do.
Also, it's not to soon to take your child with you when you go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned. Take your child as well as someone who can take care of him or her during your appointment. Get the dentist or hygienist to let your child "ride" in the chair with you and look in the child's mouth with the mirror. This way, you child will be used to the dentist's office without it being traumatic.
lead by example. kids are always interested in what adults are doing. let em see you brushing and then help them do the same. you must keep it up though. if you stop helping them the will not do it themselves until after a long time of practice. show em how pretty their teeth are after they brush too. show em a pic of a nasty diseased mouth and that might scare em into action as well, but that might be a bit harsh for a 1 yr. old.
Oragel makes a tooth and gum cleanser that the baby can use by using their finger. The only way they are going to learn is if you lead by example. Make sure that your child gets to see you brush your teeth as much as you can and show them that it is fun. Do it together.
You brush your teeth at the same time. Children copy what they see. So, if you do it right, they will too. Have fun.
Get them a toddler toothbrush(they are smaller and softer) and some training toothpaste (no flouride in it and it won't hurt their tummy if they swallow it), and just make it fun for them. Sing a little song that they like while you brush and tell them how good they are doing. Let them chew on it, or whatever when you are done, to let them feel involved, and tell them that they are doing great. You will have to do most of the work, but you need to talk up their efforts as much as you can. Eventually it is a part of the routine and they will like it.
just show them!
give them a toothbrush their size (many co's make toothbrushes for many diff ages) grab your tbrush, and show them how to do it
plus, explain why it's important to brush your teeth!
At that age, they're not going to understand. Get a child's brush (soft bristle of course) and get CHILDREN's toothpaste because toddlers tend to swallow anything in their mouth. Start brushing after meals with the child so he/she gets used to this idea and later on is capable of doing it him/herself.
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