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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

At what age do you stop brushing their teeth?

10 replies

SuperBunny · 28/02/2010 22:34

DS is 4 and seems pretty good at brushing his teeth now but I feel like I should still have a turn. But should I be doing it every time he brushes? Or should I let him get on with it and help out from time to time?

How long do I need to keep brushing his teeth?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

piscesmoon · 28/02/2010 22:40

I would get a packet of disclosing tablets and let him do it when you are sure he can do it thoroughly. When my 15yr old DS went to the orthodontist and had a brace fitted, the orthodontist threatened him that if he didn't clean them properly his mother would clean them! My DS got on and brushed them properly! It is too important to neglect.

Original poster

SuperBunny · 02/03/2010 20:22

Disclosing tablets is a good idea, thank you. I will keep at it. I just didn't know if I should still be brushing his teeth when he is 8.

OP posts:

mintyfresh · 02/03/2010 20:53

Apparently you should help them until about the age of 7. I recently made the mistake of letting ds, age 5 get on with it by himself after watching him brushing them perfectly for a while. However, within a week or two they had plaque on them We are now back to him doing them but with me doing the finishing touches!

Wiseoldelf · 02/03/2010 21:13

I agree with Minty. I come up against it a bit with my DS (4.6) saying he can do it himself, but I think it's worth the agro just to be sure.

muminthecity · 03/03/2010 01:05

I insist on doing my DD's for her - she is 4. I just don't think she would do it thoroughly enough on her own. My friend is a dentist and she still brushes her 8 year old's teeth for him.

ben5 · 03/03/2010 01:14

i remember one of the hyginest i worked with said to help clean childrens teeth till they were 7 and then to still supervise

differentnameforthis · 03/03/2010 06:15

It really depends on the child. My dd is 6, does a very good job of brushing, her friend of the same age, doesn't do as well.

Sometimes they lack the dexterity to get to all the areas that need to be cleaned.

My nephew still needed help at 10!

Disclosing tabs are a good idea, as long as the child understands the concept.

nickschick · 03/03/2010 07:07

ds has severe ortho probs - I still frequently brush his as the brace makes it difficult and at 3k im taking no risks -hes 16,having said that I still check upon soap dodger 14 year old and 9 years old ds too......

Megletwantsittobesummer · 03/03/2010 07:33

I was supervised until I was about 8. Me and my sister don't have any fillings (both mid 30's now).

slumby · 06/03/2010 23:03

I have a thing about clean teeth LOL and so am still doing a super clean on my 14 yo ds every now and again. However remind all 3 children morning and evening to clean teeth and stand near bathroom to hear how long they are actually cleaning for. Also bought electric toothbushes which really seemed to help.

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