Toddler Brushing Teeth Struggle

Just like with adults, keeping your toddler’s teeth and gums healthy requires a religious routine of brushing twice a day. One difference, though, is that keeping following routines can be a big struggle for toddlers. As simple as this task may seem, many parents find themselves frustrated and drained from all the fussing, crying, and even screaming that they will have to face. If your child dislikes or resists brushing their teeth, here are some tips to make this task easier and enjoyable for you both.

Toddler Teeth Brushing Games

• Set a good mood. While brushing the tooth, you can play peek-a-boo to light up the mood of your toddler.
• Race the clock. Set a timer and have your child race against the clock until they reach the finish line. If they continue brushing until the buzzer goes off, they get a reward like a sticker or a story.
• Brush to the beat. Play music or sing a song that’s about two minutes long, and have your toddler brush their teeth for the entire length of the song. You can use the toothbrush as a microphone for added fun.
• Use a toy. Bring your toddler’s favorite toy to the sink and “brush” its teeth while your child brushes theirs.
• Let them feel grown-up. Brush your teeth at the same time and place as your toddler. Children love copying adults, and they will not pass up any chance of doing something that mom or dad does. Make sure to be enthusiastic about it.
• Involve the toothbrush in the game. Your kid might love a toothbrush that lights up after two minutes of brushing or one that plays music until brushing is completed.
• Give them responsibility. Let them do their part in teeth brushing, even when they spill things up. This gives them a sense of control and a feeling of independence.
• Let them practice. Allow your child to practice teeth brushing on their favorite toy or even on you. This helps teach them the motions that they will repeat later.
• Reward good brushing. Giving rewards is a positive way of giving encouragement. Come up with a system where good brushing earns them a sticker or an extra bedtime story.

Toddler Teeth Brushing Accessories

• Toddler toothpaste. Get a toothpaste with colorful designs on the tube, or one in a bright color with sparkles. If your child is not a fan of the taste of regular toothpaste, you can get flavored ones. Just make sure to keep it out of their reach in between brushing, so they are not tempted to eat it.
• Toddler toothbrush. Pick a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles that comes with decorations that appeal to your toddler. It can be a princess, superhero, or animal. You can also pick one in your favorite color or in a fun shape. Take your child with you to the store and have them pick the toothbrush that they like.
• Toothbrush holder. This special holder can be a cup that will hold their toothpaste and toothbrush. Pick something that is colorful and bright, like one decorated with their favorite cartoon character.
• Brushing timer. Set the timer for two minutes and let your toddler brush their teeth until the buzzer goes off.
• Rinsing mug. Having a rinsing mug that comes in an appealing design and color will make your toddler look forward to brushing their teeth each time.
• Special stepstool. Sinks are usually high for toddlers, so a step stool is important for teeth brushing. It is important that they can safely and comfortably reach the sink when they brush. Supervision is also essential when they are brushing their teeth.

Getting your toddler to start a routine of maintaining good dental health by tooth brushing has to start as soon as their teeth start to appear. Slowly teach them to independently brush their teeth and make sure that they get regular dentist visits. It helps to make tooth brushing enjoyable early on so they learn to stick with these habits.

Summary

Article Name

Toddler Brushing Teeth Struggle

Description

Just like with adults, keeping your toddler’s teeth and gums healthy requires a religious routine of brushing twice a day. One difference, though, is that keeping following routines can be a big struggle for toddlers. As simple as this task may seem, many parents find themselves frustrated and drained from all the fussing, crying, and even screaming that they will have to face. If your child dislikes or resists brushing their teeth, here are some tips to make this task easier and enjoyable for you both.

Author

James Franklin

Publisher Name

D.Dental

Publisher Logo