美国牙科协会（ADA）说：Until they are six or seven years old, continue to brush your children's teeth twice a day with a child's size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

（直到孩子6~7岁大的时候，继续每天刷两次孩子的牙，用适合孩子尺寸的牙刷和豌豆大小的含氟牙膏。）

美国儿科学会（AAP）说：a child cannot brush his teeth without help until he's older—about six to eight years old. So be sure to supervise or do the actual brushing if necessary.

（孩子在大约6~8岁大之前，没有大人的帮助是不能自己刷牙的。如果需要的话，确保孩子在大人的监督下刷牙或由大人帮刷。）

美国儿科学会（AAP）说：Parents should monitor and assist their child while brushing until he or she is around 7 or 8 years old. When your child can write his or her name well, he or she also has the ability to brush well.

（在孩子大约7或8岁之前，家长都应该监督和协助孩子刷牙。在孩子能流利书写自己名字的时候，他就能刷得比较好了。）

香港卫生署口腔健康教育组说：在7岁之前，孩子未必能够彻底清洁牙齿，父母须在旁协助，并在睡前为孩子彻底清洁牙齿一次。

参考资料：

1. ADA. Cavity Prevention Tips. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/cavity_prevention_tips.pdf

2. AAP. Dental Health & Hygiene for Young Children. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Teething-and-Dental-Hygiene.aspx

3. AAP. Baby’s First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Babys-First-Tooth-Facts-Parents-Should-Know.aspx

4. 香港卫生署口腔健康教育组. 刷牙，孩子做得到. http://www.toothclub.gov.hk/chi/pdf/booklet_pdf/B005.pdf

作者：朱剑笛

图片来源：123RF.com.cn图库