If you have been down the road of teaching a toddler to brush their teeth you already know it can be difficult at times, especially if they are not ready. I found myself thinking my daughter was ready for a lot of things she simply was not ready for. Needless to say, I lost. Once I realized she wasn’t ready I backed off and waited until she was, and things went much smoother. I can admit, I was so ready for Mattie to brush her own teeth by the time she started to show interest in doing it. For the most part she did great, but there were a few things I had to try to get my toddler to brush her teeth.
How Do I Get My Toddler To Brush Their Teeth
Are you fighting with your toddler about brushing their teeth? If not, GREAT! If you are, I totally understand it can be frustrating, but try these few tips to help your toddler brush their teeth.
Nine Tips To Help You Get Your Toddler To Brush Their Teeth
Fun
We all like to do things that are fun. Something I highly suggest is make brushing their teeth fun from the start. Sing a silly song, or something. Mattie and I have the MMM song. It’s where we sing while we are brushing our teeth. Neither of us knows what we are saying because out mouth is full of toothpaste. It is more of a humming sound so nobody chokes, or ends up spitting toothpaste out.
Take a step back
If your toddler is fighting you, they might not be ready. Take a step back, and try again later.
Supplies
Let them choose their own toothbrush, and training toothpaste. Mattie LOVED choosing her own toothbrush too. It made her feel like a big girl and she was ready to take on the day.
Take turns
You brush, then let them brush. If you are worried your toddler is not brushing their teeth well, it’s a great way to be sure they are getting all their teeth they ways they should.
Lower your expectation
In the beginning it’s all about fun, and toddlers do not typically brush well. Which is totally okay, allow them to have fun. You step in before they are done, and be sure their teeth are brushed correctly.
Talk to them
When you take over, explain to them why you are doing it. Tell them how important it is they brush all their teeth.
Brush together
Brushing together is not only more fun for you, but your toddler will likely brush longer, and better if you brush with them.
Big sister or brother
If your toddler has a big sister or brother they look up to, try to see if having them brush along with them helps. Mattie loves to brush with her big sister, it makes her feel like such a big girl. Plus, it’s a great way to be sure your other children are brushing, lol.
Have a competition
Who can brush their teeth better, or who can brush longer. Of course when the time is up, give in and let them win. This helped Mattie want to brush about 57 times a day so be careful lol.
Dentist
Take your child to the dentist. If the dentist doesn’t tell you child they are doing a great job brushing, ask them to. Even today Mattie tells me about her appointment 3 months ago, and how good the dentist thinks she is doing. Now she tells me how to brush, and I am totally okay with that as long as she is brushing well.
Do you have any tips to help get toddlers to brush their teeth? I think it’s also important to remember that every child is different and if all us moms stick together we have a chances! Leave a comment with any of your tips to help get toddlers to brush their teeth.
