Brushing your toddler's teeth can often feel like a struggle. 

Almost every toddler on earth hates brushing their teeth. However, establishing good oral hygiene habits early on is crucial for your children’s dental health. 

Is there a way to do it effectively though? And achieving your toddler’s cooperation? There is. 

Here you’ll find a guide packed with tips and tricks to make the process smoother for both of you.

How to Brush Your Toddler’s Teeth: 10 Effective Tips & Tricks 

If you want to train your toddler to care for their dental hygiene early on, incorporate the following tips and tricks in your daily routine to be proud of your child’s strong teeth. 

- Start Early 

The sooner you begin brushing your toddler’s teeth the better. Ideally, start as soon as their first tooth emerges, which is usually around six months old. 

Although this may seem like an exaggeration to you, the practice will help them get used to the sensation and build up a habit. Just make sure you use a toothbrush designed for infants and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Ensure the toothpaste is not swallowed.

- Choose the Right Tools 

Of course, you need the right tools to do the job properly, but who said they can’t be funny? 

In the market, you will find different types of toothbrushes and toothpaste appropriate for your toddler’s age spectrum each time. 

Whatever brand you choose, invest in a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles, to avoid harming your child’s gum tissues. Find one with their favourite character or vibrant colours to make it more appealing to their eyes. 

Ideally use a toothpaste which is fluoride-based and flavoured with a taste that children love, like e.g. bubblegum. 

Use a small pea-sized amount for children aged three and above. If your toddler is younger use a smear about the size of a grain of rice. 

- Make it Fun 

Since children of that age can’t quite grasp the importance of brushing their teeth – you need to do it for them – your only way to establish this routine is to make it fun. 

Turn teeth brushing into a game to keep your toddler engaged. Sing a song, tell a story, perform an act, or use a toy-shaped timer to make the two minutes fly by. You can also brush their teddy’s teeth too! 

Once your toddler grows a little, you can start brushing your teeth together, turning it into a family fun activity. 

- Be Gentle yet Firm 

Toddlers tend to resist tooth brushing. 

You however, have to be persistent without losing your temper. If they’re particularly fussy and reluctant, try brushing while they’re in the bath or when they're distracted by their favourite toy. 

Remember to do that twice a day. Once in the morning and again at night before putting them to sleep. Be gentle but firm about the importance of brushing, and don’t succumb to any opposition they may exhibit.

- Use Positive Reinforcement 

When you see your toddler cooperate, give them praise. 

Acknowledge your child’s efforts and goodwill and mildly correct any wrong movements you see them doing if they are over the age of three. 

Some good ideas to motivate them to abide by their brushing routine are a sticker chart or small rewards like playing with them for a while after completing the task.

- Teach by Example 

Don’t exclude yourself from this habit. 

Children mimic adults and learn by watching how they behave and do things. So let your toddler see you brushing your teeth regularly. 

Show them how to hold the toothbrush, apply the right amount of toothpaste, and brush all areas of the mouth for at least two minutes. You can let them brush your teeth if they want to. 

Making it a family activity reinforces the importance of good oral hygiene!

- Brush your Toddler’s Teeth Using Stories and Videos 

To make tooth brushing even easier, make sure you make the most of relevant stories and videos. 

There are plenty of children’s books and videos - lots of them interactive, about brushing teeth that can help explain why it’s an important task intriguingly and playfully. 

These can make the concept more relatable and less daunting for your toddler. Incorporating them into your daily routine can reinforce the message. 

- Let Them Try 

Let your child have a go before you take over to make sure the job is properly done. 

After all, no one can learn without trying and trying. Practice makes perfect as the saying goes. It will help them feel more independent and involved in the process. 

- Have Patience 

Patience is key when teaching your toddler to brush their teeth. 

Like a good teacher, remain calm and try to surpass any challenging behaviour. There will be days when the process will run smoother than others. 

If your child is particularly resistant, you can break the process into smaller steps, giving them breaks if needed. 

- Visit the Dentist Regularly 

Finally, take your toddler to the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing.

Regular check-ups will help them get accustomed to the dentist’s office and ensure their dental health is cared for and their teeth are developing properly. 

FAQs 

1. At Which Age Should I Begin to Brush My Toddler’s Teeth? 

Preferably when their first tooth shows up, which is often around six months old. 

2. What Is the Proper Way to Brush My Toddler’s Teeth? 

Use gentle and circular moves. Brush their teeth covering all the surfaces and make sure they spit the toothpaste out.

3. Do I Have to Floss My Toddler’s Teeth? 

You can start flossing once your toddler’s teeth touch. Use the same technique you use for your teeth or go for floss sticks made especially for children. Let your little one experiment with the method and take over afterward to ensure the result. 

4. How Can My Toddler Learn How to Spit When Brushing His Teeth? 

Do it yourself and your toddler will naturally follow. Children imitate adult behaviour, especially when it comes to their parents. Try holding them close to you as you brush your teeth so they can see your moves and actions. 

Put an End to Your Toddler’s Brushing Teeth Struggle

With the tips and tricks you’ve read above and a little creativity, you can establish the foundation of good oral hygiene for your toddler with fun, positive reinforcement, and setting the example. 

And if you need a dentist for your toddler, don’t hesitate to contact an Enlighten Smiles dentist and build solid cooperation for your child’s oral health!