If you’ve ever tried brushing a toddler’s teeth, you know it can feel more like a wrestling match than a hygiene habit. Between the flailing limbs, the sudden fascination with everything but the toothbrush, and the ever popular “No!” battle cry, it’s easy to feel defeated. But with a little patience, creativity, and consistency, brushing your toddler’s teeth can become a manageable and even enjoyable part of your day. Here is a guide to successful tooth brushing with your little tyke.
Why It’s Important
Toddlers may only have a few teeth, but those baby teeth play a vital role in speech development, nutrition, and setting the stage for healthy adult teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends brushing twice a day as soon as the first tooth appears. That might sound simple, but any parent knows there’s nothing simple about getting a toddler to comply.
Make It Fun
The key to success? Make it a game. Toddlers thrive on play and imagination. Turn brushing into a song-and-dance routine, use silly voices, or let your child “brush” a favorite stuffed animal’s teeth first. You can also try brushing your own teeth alongside them – little ones love to imitate adults. When they see you doing it, they’re more likely to follow along.
Give Them a Choice
There are also a wide variety of toothbrushes and toothpaste designed specifically for small children. Look for colorful brushes with characters they recognize and non-fluoride toothpaste in fun flavors like bubblegum or watermelon. Giving them the power to choose their toothbrush or toothpaste can help them feel in control and more likely to cooperate.
Establish a Routine
Toddlers are creatures of habit, and routines provide structure and predictability. Try brushing at the same time every morning and night, linking it to something else familiar like bath time or story time. Narrate what you’re doing as you go to make it more engaging and less intimidating.
Even if your child insists on doing it “by myself,” that’s okay – let them try, then follow up with a quick brush to make sure everything’s clean. This balance of independence and supervision helps build their skills without compromising dental hygiene.
Troubleshooting
Some toddlers simply don’t like having a toothbrush in their mouth. If yours is especially resistant, try brushing in front of a mirror so they can watch, or use a video timer app that features animated characters brushing for two minutes. Praise their effort, not just the result: “You did such a great job brushing your teeth tonight!”
Sometimes, it’s about picking your battles. If they won’t open their mouth today, try again in a few minutes, or turn it into a “you brush mine, I’ll brush yours” game.
Brushing a toddler’s teeth isn’t always smooth sailing, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right mindset and a few creative tricks, you can build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
About the Practice
Is your little one ready to come in for their first checkup? Bring them on into The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, led by Dr. Nelson Hui, a board-certified pediatric dentist. We’ll help keep your little one relaxed in our kid and parent-friendly dental exam rooms while they receive safe, all-digital care from one of our experts. Schedule your appointment today by calling our Garland office at (972) 364-7472 or visiting our website.