Tips for Tots…Brushing Your Toddler’s Teeth
Do you find tooth brushing time in your home to be so stressful that by the end of it your teeth are clenched as tightly as your toddlers? Ever since the arrival of that first baby tooth, brushing has been one of the toughest battles you have to fight…twice a day! Despite the fact that it is good for them, and it won’t hurt them, some children put up such a fight you’d think you were trying to make them eat worms!
Fortunately, there are many tried and true tips to help them brush without such a fuss! No more, ”Open Wide!” or “Hold Still!” just to have them run away with their mouths sealed tight!
Here are a few of those simple tips that just might help to make teeth brushing a bit more fun for everyone!
Set an Example: From the moment our children become mobile, they also become our little shadow, following us wherever we go. Don’t let the bathroom door stop them. It is good to set the example as you allow them to watch you brush and floss your teeth. If it is important to you, it will be important to them. Once they start brushing, brush together!
Use the Right Hardware: Let your toddler help pick out their own toothbrush. It might be their favorite color, have a favorite character, sing a fun song or spin, spin, spin. If they pick out something they like, they are more likely to use it.
Don’t Forget the Toothpaste: Recently the ADA has updated their recommendations on fluoridated toothpaste for children. The new guidelines are: caregivers should use a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) for children under the age of 3 and a pea-sized amount for children 3 to 6 years old.* You might try selecting a variety of flavors so your child can choose the one they like the most.
Practice: Get a doll or stuffed animal and let your child brush the doll’s teeth. Pay attention while they play – you just might learn what parts of brushing might be scary or uncomfortable for them.
Sing Songs: Singing through a song once or twice will help you ensure you are brushing your child’s teeth long enough. The sillier the song, the better!
Tell a Story: Create fun, magical stories about brushing teeth. Keep it positive; let your child be the star of the story and if they can, have them fill in some of the details. Brushing teeth can be a great adventure!
Get Goofy: Look into your child’s mouth and act surprised when you see their favorite food, animal or character stuck in there. “What is that MONKEY doing in your mouth? Let’s brush him out!” You could also have them ROAR like a lion or chomp like a dinosaur…anything to open wide.
Treasure Hunt: When it’s time to replace their toothbrush, hide the new one and give your toddler clues to find it.
Bath Time: Many toddlers love taking baths. Why not brush their teeth then?!?
Use a Mirror: Hang a mirror at your toddler’s eye level so they can watch as they brush.
Stay Consistent: Make a schedule and keep it. Try to brush at the same times each day. For example, right after breakfast and right before they put pajamas on at night. Try making a chart, using pictures to show the steps…wake up, go potty, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, etc. Don’t forget to schedule routine visits to the dentist.
Get Support: A big thumbs-up from parents, grandparents, siblings, even the dentist goes a long way in encouraging your toddler to keep going.
As for you, take a deep breath, have fun and don’t give up. You can do it!!!
*CDA Journal, vol. 42, pg. 218
Leave a reply →
