Brushing should actually begin before children are capable of doing it themselves. A wet cloth or gauze effectively cleans gums and removes plaque after nursing and establishes a good habit early on. Begin brushing gently with a soft bristle brush when the first tooth comes in and begin flossing when most of the primary teeth are in.
At six or seven, children can brush on their own, with careful supervision. And by eight or nine, they can floss on their own too.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says "a good rule of thumb is this...When children are accomplished enough in caring for their own needs that they can get up, bathe and dress themselves and comb their hair without your help - then they are ready to accept full responsibility for their mouth-cleaning program!"
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