How to Get Toddlers to Brush Their Teeth

Ask almost any parent about brushing their toddler's teeth and they would tell you that it's just as challenging as dressing a wild chimpanzee. Toddlers are little beautiful bundles of sporadic energy, who are on the verge of mastering independence. They always seem to want to do what they want and not what you want them to do. Forcing toddlers to do anything is igniting a power struggle, and a tantrum of kicking and screaming. We all know the importance of good dental hygiene but days like these will make you want to give up brushing your toddler's teeth. My own toddler turns into an all star track runner when it's time to brush her teeth, and when I finally catch her she lets out the loudest shrill that seems to pierce my poor brain. We struggle a lot in the bathroom but I have learned a few tricks to get her to brush her teeth, maybe they can help you too;

1. Purchase a Firefly toothbrush. These toothbrushes are brightly colored, they have a red flashing light near the toothbrush's tip, that can be activated by a simple push, the light flashes for about 60 seconds and then turns off by itself. This light will distract and fascinate your child while brushing his/her teeth. My toddler loves this toothbrush, she turns the flash on by herself and instead of running she gets excited when it's time to brush her teeth. This is great because children will know that when the light starts flashing that the tooth brushing session is over.

2. Purchase character theme toothpaste like Dora, Spiderman, Sponge Bob, Scooby Doo, Barbie..... These toothpastes will prove fun to look at for your toddler and they come in sweet flavors like bubble gum and berry that your toddler will love.

3. Have your toddler brush your teeth while you brush his/her teeth. My daughter loves brushing my teeth so she gets easily distracted which makes it easier for me to brush her teeth.

4. Enthusiastically sing songs while brushing your toddler's teeth. My daughter and I sing; this is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth, this is the way we brush our teeth early in the morning.

5. Distract your child by making one of her favorite toys talk. I actually use my voice to pretend as though her Dora toothpaste is talking to her, you know like you would use a puppet. I say things like hi, are you going to brush your teeth today? Can you show me how to brush your teeth? Talk enthusiastically.

6. Let your toddler finish up brushing his/her teeth.

You should brush your toddler's teeth at least twice a day if not three times a day for 2 minutes, focusing a lot on the back molars (I don't always make it for the 2 minutes so I just do a good brushing for 1 minute.) I try to brush my toddler's teeth after every meal (and snack if it's really sugary.) By the age of two children can use fluoridated toothpaste, (look for a toothpaste with ADA seal of acceptance. "The ADA Seal of Acceptance is a symbol that a product has shown that it meets ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.")you should use no more than a pea sized amount, this is important because swallowing too much toothpaste can stain your child's teeth and you don't want your child ingesting large amounts of toothpaste. "In a circular motion, start brushing the outer portion of the upper teeth then the lower. Then, placing the toothbrush vertically, brush the inside portion using and up and down motion to clean the top and bottom teeth. Scrub the tops of all teeth, and brush the tongue."

You really want to make sure you give your child's teeth a good cleaning before bed because, bacteria tends to grow more while your child's mouth is closed, because less saliva is being produced, and saliva help keeps the mouth clean. The longer you prolong a brushing, the more time the bacteria and sugar (which cause cavities) have to damage their teeth. A sugar attack on the teeth can last up to 20 minutes!

"The best tooth brush to use is one with soft round- tipped bristles" When the bristles become bent and frayed or if it's been longer than 3 months it's time to get a new toothbrush" You will need to help your child brush his/her teeth up until 8-10 years of age until they can properly hold the toothbrush.

"Start flossing your child's teeth when they start touching and you can no longer brush in between them."

More Tips

· Brush your child's teeth gently, don't rush, the more stressed you are while brushing your toddler's teeth the more resilient he/she will become.

· Try to use as much enthusiasm as possible before and while brushing your toddler's teeth. Show your child that brushing teeth is a fun, happy, positive thing.

· Encourage your child to brush his/her own teeth, and while your child is brushing say things like, "Wow! And Look at you!"

· End teeth brushing with a little clapping, a big hug, and kiss.

· Let your toddler pick out his/her own toothbrush and toothpaste at the store.

· Read and watch movies together on dental hygiene. Look for books and videos that feature your toddler's favorite character.

Toddlers love to mimic their parents so show them that teeth brushing is important to you, and that you enjoy doing it and they might take the lead.

Good Luck to you all, I hope this information helps.

Sources;

Redwood Empire Dental Society, "FAQ'S"

http://www.redsdentists.org/pages/faq.html#anchor478238

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, "Brushing, Flossing, and Other Care Tips for Your Child's Teeth," http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3100/3153.asp?index=10961&src=news

Dental Insurance.com, "Oral Hygiene For Children," http://www.dentalinsurance.com/di/web/articles/childDentistry.aspx

Anne C. Beal, M.D., M.P.H., Linda Villarosa, and Allison Abner, "The Black Parenting Book" New York, Broadway Books, Copyright 1999