25-36 months

Second molars, the last of the baby teeth, will come in during this time. Now is a good time to teach your child how to brush their teeth. Brushing your child’s teeth can be challenging but don’t give up. Remember, the goal is to get your child in the habit of brushing. Here are some tips to help make brushing easier:

• Use a small child-sized soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Apply fluoride toothpaste that is the size of a grain of rice.
• Brush at least twice a day. Make sure to brush before bed time.
• Allow your child to practice brushing first then you take over and finish up.
• Brush all surfaces of the teeth. Brush the back teeth first then move to the front teeth.
• Don’t expect to brush for two minutes, which just won’t happen with very young children.
• Make brushing fun by singing a song.
• Reward your child for brushing their teeth. Stickers are great rewards.
• Replace toothbrushes every three months or after your child has been sick.