STANTON H. WOLFE: You should let the mother know that we’re really pleased that she’s concerned about her toddler’s teeth. There is a problem, though. A toddler cannot really brush his teeth in a way that will prevent tooth decay. He is probably walking around the room with the toothbrush in his mouth, sucking on it or just scrubbing one spot in his mouth, and that’s not going to promote good oral health. So let mom know that until the child has the proper coordination, and that doesn’t happen until about the time a child can tie his own shoes, which is about the age 7 or 8, the mother needs to help brush the teeth. She needs to supervise. She needs to actually do some of the brushing, and gradually transition the child into his own good oral hygiene practices.

close window