How to Brush Your Toddler's Teeth

By eHow Health Editor

Rate: (8 Ratings)

Brushing your toddler's teeth can be extremely challenging. Some toddlers like to suck on the toothbrush, while others run away as soon as they hear the words, "brush your teeth." The trick is to make it fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Toddler Toothbrushes
  • Toddler Toothpaste
  • Stickers

Step1
Purchase toddler toothpaste, preferably with no saccharin, and a toddler toothbrush.
Step2
Tell your toddler that all of his "friends" need to be brushed.
Step3
When his mouth is open, say "hello" to all of the "friends."
Step4
Make brushing fun - giggle and laugh while you're brushing the teeth.
Step5
Tell your toddler he's a big boy for brushing his teeth.
Step6
Show him how to spit in the sink.
Step7
Clap and encourage your toddler for a job well done.
Step8
Give him a sticker for each successful toothbrushing session - it works!

Tips & Warnings

  • Tell your toddler that his favorite cartoon character loves brushing his teeth as well.
  • If you have an older child, use him or her as a model for your toddler.
  • Make toothbrushing time a daily family activity.
  • Avoid toothpaste with saccharin.
  • If your child complains of a toothache, consult a dentist.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, contact a dentist or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/23/2006 Use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. If your child can't spit yet, wipe out their mouth with a damp washcloth.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Every night we brush our teeth together. My toddler hands out the brushes and squeezes the tooth paste (if it's too much we just shake it off when she is not watching). We make sure she gets up teeth and down teeth. If there is a lot of resistance, then dad holds her in his arms (like a bride) while she hangs her head down, looking into the mirror while I brush her teeth quickly. When she was younger we could literally hold her upside down by her feet for a few seconds to quickly brush all the teeth.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 It's hard to brush the front of the toddler's teeth (where they need it the most). I growl and make a Frankenstein face at my son when we are brushing his teeth. He mimics me while I scrub his front teeth.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Remember the trips to the doctor's office? Open up and say "Ahhh"! I sing Ahhh along with my daughter and make a song of it (think do-re-mi). It's great fun and when she closes her mouth, I stop singing - which encourages her to keep her mouth open.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 My toddler has fun copying me as I brush my teeth. I over exaggerate when I brush the back teeth so that he tries it and gets all his teeth. A battery operated toothbrush is around $6 and is fun for him. It also allows him to do the work but lets me feel confident that his teeth are actually getting clean.

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eHow Article:  How to Brush Your Toddler's Teeth

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

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