At this age, toothbrushing is a parent-led activity. Hold the brush with a stable grip and guide the movements yourself rather than expecting the child to do it alone.
A practical approach:
- Choose a position where you can see the child's mouth well; for example, sit behind a small child or have the child look slightly upward.
- Use gentle pressure. The soft bristles are meant to clean milk teeth without making brushing feel harsh, so there is no need to press hard.
- Move the brush along the gumline and all tooth surfaces, including the small spaces between teeth and the back areas of the mouth, where plaque tends to collect quickly.
- Keep the movements short and calm, especially in the beginning, so brushing does not become a struggle.
Use an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste if your dental professional has recommended one; the brush can also be used with just water while a child is learning. Rinse the bristles well after use. Always stay close and supervise the brushing.