How To Brush The Teeth Of A Two-Year-Old – 5 Important Tips

Every stage of your child’s development requires a unique approach to oral care. So, if your child has just entered the “terrible twos” and you’re unsure of how to care for their freshly erupted teeth, you’ve come to the correct place!  Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old. Most of your child’s teeth will be in place by the age of two.

Of course, your child can determine this. However, you can anticipate that most of your child’s 20 baby teeth will be present by the age of two. By the time the last molars erupt around 2 1/2 to 3 years old, the teething process will typically be fully over. But, after they have the majority of their teeth, it is time to begin brushing.

Do not worry if you find brushing your toddler’s teeth to be a difficult process. You can do it even if your youngster is obstinate and believes that brushing your teeth is entirely useless. Also, it’s important to properly brush your child’s teeth. You’ll educate your child on the value of this twice-daily practice that can stave off cavities and tooth decay, as well as assist set them up for a healthy mouth.

Detailed Instructions On How To Brush The Teeth Of A Two-Year-Old

Start by preparing yourself. Ah, I’m kidding. (Mostly.) The quickest, most efficient way to get started on how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old is to make sure you’re prepared.

–Purchase The Essentials As The First Step.

The right supplies must be chosen first for how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old. Make sure you have a kid-sized toothbrush and kid-sized toothpaste on hand.

–Explain To Your Youngster What Will Occur.

Don’t hesitate to let the kids know what to expect because some of them like to be prepared. Reading a lighthearted book on how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old can even be helpful. Your child might be a fan of Elmo or Blippi. As a way to be ready, you and your kid may view a video together or listen to one of their songs about brushing your teeth. Brushing might also be more enjoyable if you demonstrate on a doll. Also, look at the American Dental Association’s selection of kid-friendly tunes for brushing teeth.

–Prepare The Toothbrush In Step Three.

Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. The dab doesn’t need to be larger than a grain of rice if your youngster is still under the age of three. A pea-sized dab is suitable once they are around 3 years old. Moreover, tell your child they shouldn’t swallow the toothpaste before giving them the toothbrush and toothpaste.

–Blow Dry!

It’s time to wash your teeth. Give it a try initially if your toddler is the “by myself!” type of child. So make sure you keep an eye on them. While they are brushing, don’t leave the room. You can take over once they have completed their part. Ensure that you thoroughly brush every tooth’s surface. Do not overlook the back teeth. Remind them to remember their “hidden teeth” throughout this conversation.

–Spit

Although it could be a little messy, you don’t want your youngster to develop the habit of ingesting excessive amounts of toothpaste. While your child was a baby, the small amount of toothpaste they used was quite safe, but if they start using more, ingesting it could be dangerous and cause stomach problems. Spit in front of your kid to teach them how, and do it yourself.

Why It’s Crucial To Know How To Brush The Teeth Of A Two-Year-Old

Here’s why it’s so important to know how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old:

–The cavities are avoided. Even young children getting cavities is more prevalent than you may think.

–28 percent of children have at least one cavity by the age of three, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and almost half of all children have at least one cavity by the age of five.

–Much of the hard work can be attributed to the fluoride in the toothpaste. Fluoride aids in the prevention of tooth decay.

–There is a small amount of residue left on your child’s tongue after lunch, a snack, or any beverage other than water.

–By feeding on the waste, oral bacteria produce an acid that eats away at the enamel of teeth. The fluoride shields the teeth from such potential harm.

–Before the age of two, it was occasionally advised to avoid using fluoride toothpaste. To help prevent cavities, recommendations have changed.

–As soon as your child’s teeth start to erupt, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises using a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste every day.

Children’s Dental Health Milestone Timeline

To assist you with how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old, below is a basic time frame.

Infancy

You can begin by gently wiping your infant’s gums twice daily when they are a baby. Use a small, soft toothbrush as the baby teeth start to erupt, and use a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste to carefully brush those tiny, young teeth.

Initial Dental Visit

A dentist visit for your child is advised around the time of their first birthday, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. You might even visit a dentist earlier if your child grows teeth early. After all, once your child develops teeth, they are susceptible to developing cavities.

Initial Usage Of Toothpaste

As soon as your child’s teeth develop, you can start applying a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste, or “a smear,” to them. Use the pea-sized dab when your child is around 3 years old.

An Entire Set Of Baby Teeth

Although it can vary from child to child, your child’s first precious tooth will likely erupt around the age of six months. For a while, your child’s gums will likely be punctured by a regular stream of brilliant white primary (baby) teeth. By the time they turn three years old, your child will likely have lost all 20 baby teeth. Make it a routine to take them to the dentist twice a year to maintain their teeth.

Brushing Independently

Regarding when a youngster is prepared to brush their teeth, there isn’t exactly a set rule. Around age six, they might be prepared to do so. Instead, they could require supervision for a little bit longer, especially if the dentist sees any early indications of tooth decay. Consult the dentist who treats your child and get their advice.

Picking Out A Toothbrush And Toothpaste

You may have your favorite toothpaste, but it’s a good idea to get your toddler a tube of children’s toothpaste. It is important for how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old. Make sure the tube contains fluoride. To choose a children’s toothpaste that you believe will appeal to your child, look over the available flavors in the toothpaste section.

It may have a watermelon flavor or even a bubblegum flavor. If you’re a parent like many others, you may also realize how crucial it is to pick the princesses or the car-themed tube. Do not forget the toothbrush either. Use a brush with a tiny head and gentle bristles. As getting your child’s support in the process can be quite helpful, think about asking them if they have a preference for toothbrush color.

It’s time to start brushing (but be sure to brush correctly!)

You should begin brushing your child’s teeth twice a day at the age of two. Use a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste to clean your teeth. You should steer clear of fluoride toothpaste until your child is 3 years old or is capable of spitting out toothpaste on demand. At least twice daily, give your child’s teeth a thorough two-minute brushing. Use tiny, circular brush strokes to clean the front, back, and tops of the teeth. We advise brushing twice a day: once before bed and once after breakfast.

You Must Also Floss Your Two-Year-Old’s Teeth!

Indeed, flossing has advantages for youngsters too! Once your child has lost the majority of his or her baby teeth, it’s a good idea to start flossing. For the benefit of maintaining your child’s oral health, flossing helps eliminate food particles and other debris that may cause cavities and tooth decay. It is a good idea to have a backup plan in case the backup plan fails. Be at ease. To assist, use YouTube! The procedure for how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old is demonstrated in this video.

Reduce Sugar Consumption To Prevent Cavities

Keep your child’s sugar intake low by not allowing them to consume sugary beverages like juice. A diet that is high in sugar can lead to cavities because oral bacteria that eat sugar produce acid that can erode teeth. Another way to lower the risk of cavities in your child is to have them drink water or rinse their mouth after consuming sugary meals and drinks.

To Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy And Bright, Visit A Pediatric Dentist Every Six Months

If you haven’t yet taken your youngster to the dentist, this is the ideal opportunity to do so! Your child should visit the dentist when they turn one or when their first tooth erupts, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (whichever comes first). Every six months, take your child to a pediatric dentist for a cleaning and oral examination to maintain the health of their teeth. This will also give you more information about their oral health and how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old.

Further Advice On How To Brush The Teeth Of A Two-Year-Old

Congratulations if your child willingly cooperates with brushing their teeth every morning and before bed. You might need to be a little more, eh, strategic if your child isn’t all that interested. Here are a few pointers to help you with how to brush the teeth of a two-year-old:

–Funnify it. Make it a little more pleasurable by singing songs and telling tales.

–Follow a schedule. When kids are prepared, they frequently perform better. They may feel more normal if they maintain a schedule.

–Employ an incentive chart or some other method.

–Discover a simple way to praise your youngster

each time they wash their teeth until the habit becomes second nature.

–Many kids can successfully learn themselves to use the restroom using this method.

–Brush your teeth concurrently. Some kids enjoy mimicking their parents. If they see you brushing your teeth, they could decide to do the same.

The Final Word

Do not feel apprehensive about brushing your toddler’s teeth. After a while, they’ll figure it out, and as they become older, it should become less difficult. Do you brush your teeth? maybe a question you ask your child for the foreseeable future. But at least you gave them a thorough overview of the significance of excellent dental hygiene. We can at least make a few recommendations to help your family through this process if your youngster dislikes brushing.

Don’t assume that brushing your teeth is only appropriate at the bathroom sink. In the bath, on the sofa or bed, in the highchair, on the changing table, or, if necessary, in front of a tablet or television, try brushing your child’s teeth there. When there are two adults present, work together to hold the youngster still while the other one gets a good cleaning with the toothbrush.

The use of two toothbrushes—one to help keep the child’s mouth open and the other to scrub—can occasionally be beneficial. While you brush your child’s teeth, give them your toothbrush so they can try brushing yours. To gain access to the top teeth and gums, which can be tightly concealed by a youngster with a tight lip, slowly slip your finger into their mouth and pull their upper lip apart.

As you brush your teeth behind your child, “bear hug” them with one arm while using the other to support yourself (this is a great way to brush for them because you end up mimicking the posture that you use to brush your teeth). As we always say, keep up the good fight at home.