How do I get my toddler to brush their teeth?

It's pretty common for your child to put up a fight when it comes to taking care of their teeth, but it is important to maintain their dental routine anyway. Children don't have the wrist dexterity to brush their own teeth until they reach 8 years old, which means parents must continue to encourage and remind them to brush until then.

Always remember that it needs to get done, regardless of whether your child is looking forward to it or not. You would never allow your child to sit in a soiled diaper just because they don't want their diaper changed, so you shouldn't allow food or plaque to sit on your kid’s teeth just because they don't want them to be brushed.

There are times when it can be a fight, so try to make it fun. Like most things, routine is key.

Here are some tricks to get your kids excited about brushing!

• Pretend that there are "sugar bugs" on everyone's teeth that get brushed away at the end of the day.
• Purchase toothbrushes specifically designed to entertain children. Some connect via Bluetooth and kids can follow along on your phone while they brush.
• Offer small rewards for challenging toddlers after brushing – like stickers, reading a favorite book afterward, or holding a special toy.
• Using a (separate) toothbrush, brush the teeth of each of your child’s favorite toys after you brush your own. Talk about how important it is that their toy takes care of their teeth. Most toddlers, upon seeing how much their toy loves having their teeth brushed, will want theirs done also.
• Allow them to feel independence by offering some options. You might ask, “Which toothbrush would you like to use?” instead of “Are you ready to brush your teeth?” or “Do you want to brush your teeth?” Children are more likely to cooperate if they feel involved in the decision.

If your toddler isn’t impressed with any of these methods, try using a piece of gauze to rub on his teeth. There are some pre-formed gauze pieces just for this purpose. If your dentist recommends using fluoride toothpaste once a day, just a dab is all that is necessary.

To learn more about caring for your child's teeth at home or to book their next dental cleaning, contact our Port Moody dentists today!