Getting a 5yo to brush his teeth properly

[cornflakegirl]

DS1 is 5, and we've recently realised that he's not really brushing his teeth properly. He's brushing for around two minutes, but mainly the front surface on the left hand side of his mouth. We've tried several times to explain that his teeth have three surfaces that he can clean, but he really doesn't get where the inside surface is. Is there a better way to approach it?

Yes..brush them for him for now. I do with my 4.8 year old as I know she won't be able to do it thoroughly yet. He's still quite young, so let him try for himself when you know he will be able to do it properly.

Can you still get those tablets that turn the unbrushed bits pink?

you can buy those tablets at the dentists. take him along for a checkup and prime the dentist to tell him he still needs his mum or dad to help him brush his teeth. we didn't do that and now kids have loads of bad teeth (have weak enamel so that's why)

Our dentist said that until a child can tie their own shoe laces (aprox age 7) they don't have the dexterity to clean their teeth properly. Having said that ds is a stubborn bugger and won't let me near his mouth with a toothbrush because "I'm not a baby Mum, I'm 5, I can do it myself!". - Shame he doesn't take the same attitude to tidying his bedroom or washing his own clothes, lol.

We were also told to brush for them until they're 7.

DD1 reminds me of this occasionally when I'm trying to hurry her out of the house in the morning and tell her that it doesn't matter if I haven't checked them just this once! She takes rules very seriously. I'm terrified she'll dob me into the dentist one time

On a more serious note I found the oral B battery powered ones really really good for the DDs. (They brush them first and then I check them)

Chubby - my DC is 5 and can do his shoe laces. Having said that, I still brush for him!

Thanks everyone.

I don't get the connection between toothbrushing and shoelace tying. Surely the latter requires far more dexterity and precision.

Good idea about disclosing tablets - do they still taste disgusting?

Will ask the dentist's advice too - we have an appointment soon. I also need to get her input on whether he's allowed to keep sucking his thumb!