You want the best for your kids. We all do, right? Right. No matter what age they are, getting them to follow our lead for their own good can be an uphill battle. But when it comes to brushing your toddler's teeth, the trick is flipping the whole experience on its head. The question isn't — "how to brush a toddler's teeth?" The question is — "how to get your toddler excited about brushing their teeth and avoid a meltdown?" The goal is to have them take the lead to show what they can do while you show how proud you are. It's an easy goal to understand, but it's a challenging one to achieve. And the sooner they learn, the better. That's real parent oral care talk right there. And, fortunately for you, we have real parent advice and real parent results. Check it out below and brush it into their routine.
Picking up the right toothbrush might the best part of brushing for your little one, actually. Here are a few recommendations to make the shopping trip fun for them and easy for you.
You've got the tools. Next, it's creating a time (twice per day) and routine to utilize them in a way that your little one will find inviting. Now, if they get excited, well, you're crushing it. Here are a few tips to get them in the brushing mood:
Now it's time to put our patience where their mouth is. It's time to brush. Here's the brushing breakdown when your toddler is feeling the brushing experience you've created.
Brush, brush all day long. Brush, brush while I sing this song. Gonna make them sparkle, gonna make them shine. Gonna brush my teeth all the time!
If you and your child can carry a tune, you could sing a brushing song together to get them ready. That's just one example of the many things you could do to make brushing more fun. You could also try the following ideas:
The ADA has a whole list of fun things to entice your child to brush as well, as well as Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program. The key is to put yourself in their little shoes and cater the experience to your individual child. You know them best, so do what best suits them.
This may seem like a lot of work to get your toddler to brush their teeth, but it's for a good reason. It's to keep your child's teeth clean so they avoid tooth decay and cavities. And that means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular checkups with your dentist. Yes, it's easier said than done, but that's the life of a toddler parent in a nutshell. There's no step-by-step guide for that. There is, however, a guide above for getting them to brush. Hopefully, it's a fun and rewarding experience for you both.
When should I start brushing my toddler's teeth?
You should start brushing your toddler’s teeth as soon as they have them. Getting your toddler used to the process will help it become routine and instilling good habits early on will help prevent cavities.
How often should I brush my toddler's teeth?
You should brush your toddler’s teeth twice a day, this includes before bed. You may also want to brush after sugary snacks.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use for my toddler?
Use toothpaste with fluoride as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a soft bristled toothbrush.
My toddler resists brushing their teeth. What should I do?
Involve them in the process. Let them choose their own character toothbrush or flavored toothpaste. Brush at times when they will be more cooperative or take turns brushing. Let them brush your teeth first (with a different toothbrush), then you can take a turn brushing theirs. This way it becomes an activity you are doing together.
When should I schedule my toddler's first dental visit?
The ADA recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit within 6 months of when the first tooth erupts or by the age of 1 year, even if they still don’t have teeth.
How can I make brushing my toddler's teeth more enjoyable?
Distract them and make brushing fun by pretending the toothbrush is a superhero swooping in to save the day against plaque. Sing a song for them or give your child a separate toothbrush they can use to brush their stuffed animal’s teeth. Reward them with an extra story at bedtime when they finish so that next time, they will look forward to it.
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