Teeth (daughter, kids, check, age)

[ajzjmsmom]

How old were your kids when you stopped brushing their teeth?

I had started letting my 7.5 yr old brush his own teeth with me superivising but then this week he ate a sunflower seed with the husk after he was supposed to be in bed. He ended up getting a piece of husk caught between his last 2 molars, resulting in a trip to the dentist to get it dug out. Needless to say I am brushing his teeth now. So was just wondering at what age you stopped brushing their teeth?

[925mine]

My daughter was about 5, and she's a meticulous teeth brusher. Her dentist never fails to remind me what a good job she does.

I would think that at 7 1/2, he should be able to brush his own teeth. Getting something stuck between them before bed doesn't mean he isn't a responsible brusher.

[sskkc]

About 3 or so... with me double checking each night after. I stopped holding the brush as soon as they could mimic the motions, around 2 1/2.

Mine are 6 and 8... no cavities yet.

[treeg26]

There is also a mouth wash made for kids that they use BEFORE they brush that turns their teeth blue. I had mine use that and make sure they brush off all the blue. It helps them see where they are missing. Also, get a timer. The dentist gave my kids a timer (the sand in the hourglass type) that they use when they are brushing so they know when they are done.

I think at 7 he is old enough to do it on his own.

[nuala]

We got toothpicks for my dd at around 4 1/2 - the age she started feeling discomfort and picking at food stuck between her teeth. She uses toothpicks after meals, and brushes her teeth herself now at 5. I check from time to time on how she does it.