How to Get Toddlers to Brush Their Teeth--and Enjoy It!

I don't know about you, but my toddler hated having his teeth brushed. Brushing your teeth is important, but your children don't care about dental hygiene. A tooth brushing involves being made to stand still and stop playing, having something shoved into your mouth and wiggled around, and tasting something unpleasant and weird. Brushing your teeth is boring and time-consuming, which is frustrating for a toddler. Having one's teeth brushed involves odd sensations and a weird taste. If you want your child to have a smile that would impress any dentist, you have to make tooth brushing fun!

Have a Special Toothbrush

Pick out a toothbrush that will appeal to your child. Child toothbrushes now feature popular characters from movies and TV shows. (My son is partial to Cars, the movie.) If you're not sure, let your child come to the store to pick out a toothbrush with you.

Get an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are more efficient than manual ones, and they are more fun for children. Children don't become good tooth-brushers until they have a bit of practice. An electric toothbrush can pick up the slack a bit for your toddler. There are now electric toothbrushes for children that are suitable for them. I was unable to find a Cars themed one, but I did manage to find one with a fire truck handle. As the brush spins getting those teeth pearly white, the fire truck lights up. He likes the way the brush feels on his teeth, enjoys the vibrations, and is delighted by the lights.

Set an Example

You are your child's most important role model. Let them see you brushing your teeth. Act like you enjoy it, even if it means pretending. If you send the message that it is fun, they will want to join in. Let them brush their teeth next to you every night, so they can feel just like mommy or daddy.

Practice Makes Perfect

Your imagination is as important as your teeth are. Encourage your child to take care of both at the same time. Remind her to brush her doll's teeth when she is taking care of her dolls. My son prefers to nurture teddy bears, and they need clean teeth, too.

Brush the Dog's Teeth

Yes, do it! Remind him that Fido's dental health is also important. Encourage him to help you brush the dog's teeth, or see if he wants to brush his teeth with the dog. (Of course, they have to use different tooth brushes!) Let him see the dog eating raw hide chews, and let him know that the dog eats those to have clean teeth. (Yes, those things really are good for dog's teeth!)

Mmm, mmm, mmm!

Make sure you are using toothpaste that doesn't taste bad. Those strong peppermint flavors for adults are not appealing to children. Your toddler may also not like every flavor for children. Experiment until you find a toothpaste that your child likes. You could try buying a few flavors of toothpaste, and letting her taste each one. (If you don't want to waste the toothpaste, use it yourself, or let your other kids use it up.) Act now makes a mouthwash for kids that is just as effective, but contains no alcohol. It tastes like bubble gum, and I must confess that I have given up my old adult brand in favor of it as well!

Sing Its Praises

Make up silly song about your dental hygiene routine to sing before every grand tooth brushing event. Announce to your children that it's time to care for those teeth in a fun way.

Don't Waste Time

One of the main reasons children dislike brushing their teeth is because it usurps playtime. Have your child brush her teeth during her bath, so that it won't cut into her playtime when she gets out. You could let your toddler watch TV while brushing his teeth. Find something that your toddler can do while brushing-or that will at least entertain her for 2 minutes.

What other things can you think up to help tooth brushing time be more fun for your child? The possibilities are endless. If you just try to see from your child's perspective, you can get him to be much more cooperative. Make it pleasant and entertaining, and your child may even like brushing her teeth. As any dentist will tell you, the way to a child's teeth through his heart!