Need Help Teaching 2 Yr Old How to Brush Her Teeth

I have worked in a dental office for 12 years as a dental assistant, and have three children of my own. My advice is to let your child brush her teeth on her own first, while you watch. Then you tell her you are going to look and see if she missed any spots. Then you can go in brush again, making sure everything is clean. I recommend an electric toothbrush, because a 2 year old doesn't have the dexterity to manipulate a toothbrush in a way that will effectively clean her teeth. Find one with a small single head, Like an Oral B. You can also get them with build in timers which helps, because kids often don't brush long enough. They should brush for 2 minuites, 2 to 3 times a day. Personally I would use a toothpaste with Fluoride. I'm not sure if the water in Powder Springs has Fluoride in it or not, but even if it does it would be a very, very, small amount. Fluoride offers significant cavity protection, and as long as you use a small amount of toothpaste (the size of a pea) you shouldn't worry. If you are concerned about Fluorosis ( a condition caused from too much Fluoride that effects the appearance of tooth enamel) contact your dentist for more advice.
Hope this helps :)
K. K

I have had dental issues all my life so I'm a little fanatical about dental care. I did not let me kids start brushing on thier own until they were 6 yo. Even then they got to choose if they wanted to brush in the AM or PM and then we brushed the other time. We finally let 'em go on thier own by the time they were 8 yo. Luckily, knock on wood, they have had no problems thus far. Every check up is a success with only a cleaning!

My son is 3 and it still worries me when he brushes, but I came up with a couple things that make me feel better... First, I bought floss picks. So, when he finishes brushing, he actually flosses his own teeth using the picks. Then, I bought Listerine's Smart Rinse. It helps pick up anything left behind after the brushing/flossing. He loves it and thinks he's a really big boy. Good luck!

You should be thankful that your daughter loves to have her teeth brushed. My daughter's daughter will not let her mother brush her teeth. She will only let her father brush her teeth, so unfortunately her teeth are brushed only once a day(at night). Her father leaves for work when she is getting up. I would suggest that you and your husband take turns brushing your teeth and let your daughter copy what you do. My daughter tried this also but her daughter wouldn't copy what she was doing. Happy brushing.
P. S

I would continue using the orajel. I have a 3.5yo girl and she still uses the orajel. Flouride is toxic, so I definitely would hold off on that for quite a while. She'll be fine.

What I did when mine wanted to become more independent (her brothers, if I remember correctly, never gave me as much problems as my girl does) with teeth brushing was have two toothbrushes. One for her to hold and do whatever and the other for me to help her brush her teeth. She seemed fine with that. I still help her some and she still swallows the orajel (Thomas the Tank Engine..about to get the Little Bear orajel) toothpaste. Still still doesn't understand how to spit. My boys didn't either when they were this age. My 3yo mimicks spitting, but nothing comes out.

Good luck!

With my girls I brushed their teeth til they were around 2 twice a day and when they started to want to do it themselves I let them do it in the morning and I do it before bed. If you were concerned about her swallowing the toothpaste I would just keep her on the baby stuff til she has it down and just make sure to giver a chance to try and spit often, it's just a skill that will figure out.

Our ped. dentist has told us that childrens teeth should be brushed by an adult until they are 7. We brushed in the evening for my 7 1/2yo and let her brush in the morning. We do the same for my 3 1/2 yo now except I sometimes do a quick brush if he's had a sugary snack before naptime. Letting them brush after you is also a good idea. This may sound extreme to some but cavities in children are no fun and I don't intend to give them any room!