Why do I have to help my child brush their teeth?

Friday, September 4, 2009 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Children rely on their parents for assistance in all sorts of ways, from learning how to read and write to learning how to tie their shoes. It is important that parents continue to brush their child’s teeth until around the age of 8. At an early age children are very visual and tend to only brush the teeth they can see. This means that the front teeth may get clean, but the back teeth are missed. In order for children to accomplish many things, they require certain fine motor skills.

Generally speaking, a five year old may know their letters and be able to print words but will not learn how to write in cursive until third grade. This is because children must first develop those motor skills used for writing before they can master the fine muscle control needed to write in cursive. Proper brushing of all teeth requires small circular movements and the same muscle skills required for cursive writing.

Therefore, a good way to know when your child is able to brush without assistance is when they have mastered the art of cursive writing.

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Written by Michelle Stafford, DDS