If you have a little one at home, you know how difficult it can be to get them to brush their teeth. Or worse, to get them to allow YOU to brush their teeth! We hear stories from many moms and dads about how toddlers won’t allow mom or dad in to brush for them. So, here are some tips to help you to get through it:
Until your little one can spit into the sink, use a training toothpaste which has little to no fluoride in it. There are many different brands of training paste, so choose your favorite and use only a pea size amount on their brush.
Allow your little one to brush their teeth first. Then, tell them its mom (or dads) turn to brush their gums! Gentle brush around the gum line the best that you can. Make a fun song out of it and stay positive. Here is a fun song! Sing it to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle little Star”
“Here’s my toothpaste,Here’s my brush
I won’t hurry, I won’t rush.
Working hard to keep teeth clean
Front and back and in between
When I brush for quite a while
I will have a happy smile.”
For each successful brushing session, use a sticker chart. When they fill up their chart, have a special surprise for them to celebrate. Perhaps a trip to the zoo, a play date with a good friend or maybe a new toy!
Remember, no matter how tough it is, or how long it takes to get a good routine down, you’re not alone and it will all be worth it in the end.