Teaching a toddler how to brush their teeth is an important part of their oral hygiene routine. Here are some steps you can follow to help teach your toddler how to brush their teeth effectively:
Choose a Suitable Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Select a soft-bristled toothbrush that is appropriate for your toddler’s age. Look for a toothpaste specifically designed for children, which usually has a mild flavor and a lower fluoride content.
Lead by Example
Show your toddler how you brush your own teeth. Toddlers often learn by imitating their parents or caregivers, so let them see you brush your teeth regularly.
Make it a Fun Activity
Turn toothbrushing into a playful and enjoyable activity. Sing a toothbrushing song, use a toothbrush with their favorite character, or let them pick out a toothbrush themselves. This can help make the experience more positive for your toddler.
Start Early
Begin brushing your toddler’s teeth as soon as they have their first tooth. This helps establish a routine and familiarizes them with the process.
Use the Right Technique
Gently brush your toddler’s teeth using small, circular motions. Pay attention to all tooth surfaces, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Make sure to clean along the gum line as well.
Time it Properly
Brush your toddler’s teeth for about two minutes. You can use a timer or a toothbrushing app with a timer to make it more engaging for your child.
Assist and Supervise
Until your child develops the necessary coordination and dexterity, you’ll need to assist and supervise their brushing. Help them hold the toothbrush correctly and guide their hand to ensure they reach all areas of their mouth.
Encourage Spitting, Not Swallowing
Teach your toddler to spit out the toothpaste after brushing. Make sure they understand not to swallow it, as too much fluoride can be harmful. Use a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice for children under three years old, and a pea-sized amount for older toddlers).
Be Consistent
Establish a regular toothbrushing routine, ideally twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Consistency helps your toddler develop good oral hygiene habits.
Praise and Reward
Celebrate your toddler’s efforts and progress. Offer positive reinforcement, verbal praise, or a small reward like a sticker or a fun toothbrushing chart. This encourages them to continue practicing good oral hygiene.
Get Regular Dental Check-Ups
Schedule regular dental visits for your toddler to ensure their teeth are healthy and to receive professional guidance on oral care tailored to their needs.
Remember that teaching your toddler how to brush their teeth takes time and patience. Be consistent, make it enjoyable, and gradually let them take more responsibility as they grow older and develop the necessary skills.
I have used all these tips for both of my children. One got it right away while my other child took some time.
These are some awesome tips. I think I used some of these when my kids were tiny.
This is a good read. It will help my daughter with teacher her kids to brush their teeth.
I think it’s so great to teach kids how to brush their teeth. I say to help them as soon as possible.
I’ve learned over the years that being consistent, and having fun while they brush their teeth has always helped us.
I think teaching kids how to brush their teeth as early as possible is a really great idea. Thanks for sharing this with us
The tips and advice provided here are practical and easy to implement. T
Making it fun, starting early, and being consistent are the three most solid foundations to teaching toddlers to brush their teeth!
These are Some useful tips that will be helpful for me in the future 🙌 thank you
Love these tips and miss when my kids were toddlers! Such. fun and special time for parents and the kids alike and teaching them to brush their teeth is so important as it instills those values in them from the start.
Used some of these for sure when my kids were toddlers and there is the Raffi song to make it fun – when you get up in the morning…. You brush your teeth 😊
Your tips on using child-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste, demonstrating proper technique, and turning toothbrushing into a game are practical and inspiring.