Good job! Thanks to you, parents are getting the message about brushing young children’s teeth with a child’s toothbrush and the right amount of good-for-teeth fluoride toothpaste, starting with the first baby tooth. Wondering how to keep little toothbrushes clean and healthy? These six tips can help.
Caring for a Child’s Toothbrush
- After brushing, rinse the toothbrush well to remove toothpaste and debris
- Store upright to air dry
- Make sure toothbrushes don’t touch each other
- Don’t use toothbrush covers
- Replace the toothbrush every three to four months, or when it is frayed
- Never clean toothbrushes in the microwave or dishwasher
Remind the parents in your program to brush their young children’s teeth twice a day with the right amount of children’s fluoride toothpaste: a tiny smear the size of a grain of rice for children from the first tooth till the third birthday, and a small pea-sized amount for children ages three to six. Parents should brush children’s teeth until the children are old enough to brush on their own, usually around the age of eight.
For more helpful advice for parents, check out the toothbrushing video Brushing Is Fun: How to Brush Young Children’s Teeth, in English and Spanish!
