How should I brush my child's teeth?

You should follow the same approach that you would take when brushing your own teeth. It often helps to stand behind your child and tilt his or her head back.

1. Start by cleaning the chewing surfaces with a soft-bristled, children's toothbrush using short back and forth strokes.

2. For the outer teeth surfaces, place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line.

3. Move the brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes.

4. To clean the inner front tooth surfaces, hold the brush vertically and use gentle up and down strokes with the tip of the brush.

5. Make sure the gum line and back teeth are cleaned thoroughly.

Replace your child's toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first.

By age three or four, your child should be able to brush his or her own teeth, with your help of course. To make it easier, start your child off with a simple brushing technique, for example, a small, circular brushing motion.

When should children start brushing on their own?

While it varies from child to child, generally children under age eight will need help brushing their teeth. And whether you are still brushing your child's teeth or just supervising, you should follow these simple guidelines:

• Brush at least twice a day-in the morning and just before bed.
  
• Spend two minutes brushing-concentrating on the chewing surfaces and back teeth, where cavities often first develop.
  
• Use a pea-sized amount of children's fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to rinse and spit out any toothpaste left after brushing.
  
• Look for a brush that is suitable for your child's age and dexterity.
  
• Don't share brushes between children.
  
• Brushing your teeth together sets a good example and helps your child to learn by watching and imitating you.