How To Get Toddler To Brush Teeth

What to Exercise When Your Toddler Resists Brushing His Teeth

Is your tot turned off by the toothbrush? Hither's how to respond when she balks at having her teeth cleaned.

At the first sight of a toothbrush, your child clamps downward and refuses to let you lot about her (tiny) pearly whites. There are a few simple ways you lot tin encourage your tot to scrub her pearly whites.

Why toddlers resist tooth-brushing

Like many other conflicts at this stage (what to eat, what to wear, when to sleep), this latest act of rebellion springs from a immature child's need for control and autonomy. He's letting you know information technology'southward his oral cavity.

What you need to know

Here's another battle worth waging, since baby teeth demand to be protected from cavities as much as permanent teeth. It may take a bit of catchy maneuvering and compromise, but getting your toddler used to brushing his own teeth regularly will set up the foundation for salubrious dental habits for life (sounds corny, but it'southward true!).

How to encourage your toddler to brush her teeth

Seek reinforcement. At your next visit, enquire your child'south physician or dentist to explain why brushing is so important. Then, the next time your trivial darling zips her lips, remind her of what the "expert" said.
Become her involved. Have her pick out ii or 3 colorful child-size toothbrushes at the drugstore. (Or she might dig a cool bombardment-powered model that features a favorite character. Who tin can resist a vibrating Dora the Explorer?) Y'all can also let her cull the flavor of fluoride toothpaste she likes (drupe? bubblegum?), as long every bit it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Let him take the pb. Instead of trying to force your way into his oral cavity, permit your kid concur the toothbrush and give it a go. Just supervise how much toothpaste really goes on the brush: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using only a small amount (a rice-sized dollop for kids under three and pea-sized 1 for kids from 3 to 6), since as well much fluoride daily tin can lead to permanent tooth stains. Yep, your toddler's technique will leave a lot to exist desired, only a piddling practice and a lot of praise go a long way. (Kids don't really get practiced at brushing their teeth until about age 7 or viii.) She can also do on a doll or stuffed animal (sans toothpaste, please) or fifty-fifty "brush" your teeth beginning. When she's done, enquire her if yous can do a final "cheque" of your own with her toothbrush — and cease upwards the job.
Don't fight over toothpaste. If your tot doesn't take to toothpaste, simply utilize plain water, suggests the AAP: The actual act of brushing itself is more important than what's on the brush.
Go for the giggles. Brand brushing less of a downer by "accidentally" brushing her nose ("oops!") with water, and singing a song with your mouths full of toothpaste foam. (Come on, you know y'all want to.)

From the What to Expect editorial squad and Heidi Murkoff, writer ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses but credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how nosotros keep our content accurate and up-to-appointment by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

What to Wait the Second Year, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.

American Dental Clan, Seal Product Shopping List, 2019.

American Academy of Pediatrics, Baby Tooth Care, 2019.

National Resource Eye for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Teaching, Oral Health in Kid Care and Early on Pedagogy,2019.

Centers for Illness Control and Prevention, Children'due south Oral Health, November 2014.

American Dental Clan, Good for you Habits, 2019.

Nemours, Keeping Your Child's Teeth Salubrious, 2019.