A nurse is reinforcing teaching about preventing dental caries with the parent of a 12-month-old toddler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

Choice A Reason: Flossing between a 12-month-old's teeth is not typically necessary, as most children do not have enough teeth for flossing at this age. Flossing becomes more important as a child's dentition develops. Choice B Reason: Positioning the toothbrush bristles at a 90-degree angle is not appropriate for a 12-month-old child. Parents should use a gentle, circular brushing motion, as this is more effective and less likely to cause discomfort or injury to the child's gums and teeth. Choice C Reason: Cleaning the teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush is correct. When teaching a parent about preventing dental caries in a 12-month-old toddler, it's important to provide appropriate guidance for oral care. Using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended for young children because it is gentle on their gums and teeth. Here's why the other options are not suitable: Choice D Reason: Using a 5-inch strip of toothpaste on the toothbrush is excessive for a 12-month-old. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using only a small smear or grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 years old to minimize the risk of swallowing too much fluoride.