Question

The nurse is teaching the parent of a 2-year-old child how to care for the child's teeth. Which should be included?

A. Flossing is delayed until the child is around 4 years old.
B. The child is old enough to brush teeth effectively using a small toothbrush.
C. Brush the teeth with plain water if the child does not like toothpaste.
D. The toothbrush should be small and have hard, rounded, nylon bristles.

Answer 1

When teaching a parent how to care for their 2-year-old's teeth, it is important to include that the child is old enough to brush teeth effectively, brushing with plain water is an option if the child dislikes toothpaste, and flossing should not be delayed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a parent how to care for their 2-year-old's teeth, it is important to include several key points:

1. The child is old enough to brush teeth effectively using a small toothbrush. At 2 years old, most children have a sufficient level of coordination and dexterity to handle a small toothbrush and brush their teeth with assistance.
2. Brush the teeth with plain water if the child does not like toothpaste. If the child dislikes the taste or texture of toothpaste, it is still beneficial to brush their teeth with plain water to remove plaque and food particles.
3. Flossing is not delayed until the child is around 4 years old. Flossing should actually be introduced as soon as there are two teeth that touch each other, usually around the age of 2. This helps to prevent cavities and maintain good oral hygiene.