How to Get 2-Year-Olds to Brush Their Teeth
The first thing many people notice about other people is their smile. A beautiful smile results from good dental care. Dental care starts when a person is young even with a two year old. Here are some tips on how to get your two year old to brush his teeth.
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Instructions
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Brush teeth in the morning and at night. Make it a ritual to have your child brush his or her teeth in the morning and the evening. Your child will be more inclined to brush his or her teeth on a regular basis if it is set as part of the every day routine.
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Pick out a toothbrush. Take your child to the store and let him pick out a toothbrush. They have different designs on the toothbrushes and your child will fill like a “big kid” by picking out his own toothbrush. You’ll be amazed at how well he keeps track of the toothbrush and use it.
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Buy some toddler toothpaste. Don’t give your child regular toothpaste until he or she can spit in the sink. On the market now is toddler toothpaste which has a good flavor to it, non-foaming and is not harmful if swallowed. If your child wants to use regular toothpaste like an adult, only put a small dot on the toothbrush, since there is a good chance the child will swallow it.
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Brush your teeth with your child. Show your child how to brush his teeth. Brush your teeth in front of your child and chances are good, he will want to do it at the same time as you. Let your child look in the mirror while brushing his teeth.
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Have your two year old brush with an older sibling. Younger children love to be able to do what their older siblings do. Set up teeth brushing time for your two year old at the same time as the older sibling’s teeth brushing time. Make it a routine part of the day for both the younger and older children.
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Praise your child. Let your child try brushing his teeth for a few minutes. Praise your child for doing a good job and for making the effort to brush his teeth. After your child has brushed, brush them yourself to make sure all of the plaque is removed.
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Set up a dentist appointment. Take your two year old to a pediatric dentist. They will also show your child how to brush his teeth and may also give your child a toothbrush. Your child will see other children at the dentist’s office with toothbrushes and will more than likely want to get in on the action.
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Tips & Warnings
Give your child praise for attempting to brush his teeth. Children love to get praise and will repeat the efforts to get more praise and attention.
Do not give your two year old adult toothpaste until he knows how to spit in the sink. Chances are good that your two year old will swallow the toothpaste.
