A lot of our parents at Stonebrook ask how to get toddlers to brush their teeth? We get it, brushing little one’s teeth is not easy! Some days you are lucky if they will let you brush for 5 seconds, but trying is half the battle! We are here to give all of our parents a few tricks to get them to sit still and allow you to brush their teeth.
How To Get Toddlers to Brush Their Teeth
Tip #1: Brush Together!
You can have your child first watch you as you brush your teeth twice a day. Then let them “pretend to brush” your teeth for you so they get involved. After you have mastered that, you can move on to brushing together at the same time, starting with the parent’s teeth, then the parent brushing the toddler’s teeth. Have them sit on the counter so they are eye-level and gently hold their face still so you can reach all of the teeth.
Tip #2: Make It Fun!
Toddlers love to have fun! So make them more engaged and excited by making brushing a game. We have some parents that like doing a sticker reward system with a chart, while others like to sing through the birthday song twice. There is no right or wrong way to get your toddler to brush, just as long as they are having fun while doing it! Making it a “chore” or daunting experience will only make the ritual harder for both parties in the long run.
Tip #3: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Remember to be patient, as it can be frustrating to continue day after day. But if your child feels the negative energy and stress from the parent trying to brush, they will likely act out and it will not be an enjoyable experience. Some days you may only be able to do a quick swipe through, other days the toddler may sit through the entire birthday song sung twice. Give yourself some grace as a parent and give your child the opportunity to learn to enjoy brushing!
Be sure to contact us for more tips and tricks at your next toddler’s dental appointment!
