Toddlers teeth typically begin to erupt within the first year and the struggle of how to brush toddler teeth begins. Even a child who previously was excited to brush their teeth can suddenly refuse during the toddler years. Good dental hygiene is important so finding out how to brush toddler teeth is a must. These are not the permanent adult teeth but poor toddler teeth brushing habits can have a lasting effect.
Toddler Teeth Brushing Tip 1
Typically I stay away from using favorite characters to get my kids to do things but in the case of brushing habits I do let them pick out their favorite character (or color) toothbrush. This is only a temporary solution and helps with the mildest cases of toddler brushing teeth refusal. Sometimes even when you think you have a bad case this is actually just enough to change their mind.
Toddler Brushing Teeth Tip 2
Let them brush your teeth. Sound scary? For me it is. The tactic though… so worth it. This works on so many levels for converting the reluctant brusher. First, the pressure to brush teeth is off. When the pressure for toddler teeth brushing is off they can relax and enjoy it. Second, they get to practice the skills and SEE what they are doing. Third, its just fun for them! Kids at this stage love to mimic and attempt tasks you do.
Toddler Teeth Brushing Tip 3
Change the location. There are a few ways to change the location. One is to set up the bathroom so its a little more toddler friendly. If your child can reach the sink all by themselves and take a more independent role that can get our strong willed child excited to do it themselves. Or if all of the power struggles happen in the bathroom… try the kitchen.
Dental health is more than just brushing teething
Start flossing early. Flossing is a hard skill to learn. I would say much tougher than brushing. Floss before brushing and start before there is a need
After brushing for the night do not provide more food or drinks (except water). Food and drinks left in the mouth at bedtime is a significant cause of dental issues.
Take your toddler to the dentist regularly. Sticking with a regular dental visit will help catch any issues and help with proper brushing techniques.
Toddler teeth cleaning at the dentist
Kids first dentistry experience happens 6 months after getting their first tooth or by the time they are a year old. If you have passed this time-frame and still haven’t made it don’t stress just get them on the schedule and prepare your toddler for their first dental cleaning.
How do dentists clean toddler teeth? The toddler will sit on their caregivers lap and lay back. The dental hygienist uses a toddler toothbrush to clean and count teeth. The fist visits are very quick because the child has a short attention span and few teeth.
To make the toddler teeth cleaning experience easier there are a few steps you can take.
- Prepare for the visit by playing dentist with a doll or stuffed animal.
- Avoid using any negative words like “it wont hurt”. Odds are they weren’t worried about pain.
- Let them practice being the dentist on you.
- Explain what they may see or hear ahead of time.
Helping our children learn to care for their teeth in the toddler years will get easier with practice. Learning to take care of dental hygiene now will prepare for success with the permanent teeth. As they say only brush the teeth you want to keep.