(This post may contain affiliate links. To read our full disclosure policy click here.)
Getting your toddler to brush their teeth can be a challenge, but it is extremely important to establish good brushing habits early on.
Brushing their teeth properly ensures that they develop healthy habits and reduces the risk of cavities and other dental problems as they grow up.
It also builds trust between you and them.
The best way to get your toddler’s cooperation is by making the process fun and involving them in the decision-making.
In this blog post, I will cover 5 ways to make brushing teeth less of a struggle and more fun for your toddler.
In this post you will find information about:
- Why you need to brush your toddler’s teeth
- Why do toddlers struggle with brushing teeth?
- Strategies to make brushing your child’s teeth easier
- Best Tooth Brushes for Toddlers
- Frequenly Asked Questions about toddler teeth brushing
Do I really need to brush my toddler’s teeth?
It is important to brush your toddler’s teeth because if you don’t, they might get cavities.
Caring for baby teeth is just as important as caring for permanent teeth.
Brushing their teeth also helps them have healthy habits and makes them less likely to have dental problems when they are older.
You can read more about the importance of good dental habits for toddlers HERE.
Toddler Brushing Teeth Struggle: You are NOT alone!
If you are struggling with getting your toddler’s teeth bright and shiny you are not alone!
This is one question I get asked frequently on Tik Tok as well as in my home visits with families in early intervention.
This is such a concern to many parents as their toddlers refuse or simply don’t like brushing their teeth.
The most common culprit for the tooth brushing struggle is the fact that your toddler wants to be independent.
So if you can find a way to have them participate…it will not only make the routine easier they will also learn how to care for their teeth.
I will give you examples of exactly how to do that!
Toddler Brushing Teeth: 5 Ways to Make it Easier!
Brushing your toddler’s teeth can be quite tricky.
They want to do it themselves, but it’s hard to do it properly as their fine motor skills are coming in.
Here are 5 of my favorite ways to make it easier for you and your little one.
1. Let them help you brush your teeth.
This technique may sound a little strange but try letting your toddler brush your teeth while you brush theirs.
This gives them a chance to participate in the routine instead of it being something that you are making them do.
I really like this option too as it allows you to get some of the troubled spots that your little one may miss when trying to brush their teeth completely on their own.
It takes lots of practice in order to get brushin
2. Sing their favorite song while they brush their teeth.
This will make the routine a little more fun and it lets your little one know how long it will last.
You can make up your own silly song or sing one of their favorites.
Get some song ideas from my Baby & Toddler Song Library.
3. Introduce it during playtime.
Children speak the language of play so that is the best way to connect with them, especially with things like brushing teeth.
Let them practice brushing on their favorite doll or stuffed animal.
You can tie this into the routine by having them brush their stuffed animal’s teeth while you brush theirs.
4. Don’t wait too long!
Teeth brushing often happens in the bedtime routine which is when children may be getting tired or overtired.
If we wait too long and your child is already tired you have a higher chance of them fighting it all together.
Move teeth brushing up in routine and avoid it being the last thing you do especially if your little one struggles with it.
5. Brush Teeth Together
Brush their teeth alongside them, showing them how to do it properly. This allows you to do it together and an opportunity to model for them how to do it.
Think about positioning as well.
Can you crouch down to their level so they can see how you brush your teeth?
Would a small step stool be helpful so that they can see themselves in a mirror?
What are the best toothbrushes for toddlers?
You can check with your dentist for recommendations but I will share some of my favorite options that I have seen out there.
Finding a toothbrush that they like and is comfortable for them to use is very important.
Letting your child pick out their own toothbrush may help motivate them to use it.
Make sure that you buy a toothbrush that is age-appropriate.
Check the size and grip to make sure it work well for your little one.
Here are a few examples of ones that may work well for young toddlers:
Frida Baby ToothBrush
Frida makes toothbrushes designed with babies and toddlers in mind.
They have a “grow with me” set that changes the brush just a bit as they get older.
It has a nice small brush that will fit into your little one’s mouth and it is designed to help you get all sides of their teeth.
Take a closer look at the toothbrush HERE.
Dr. Browns Toddler Toothbrush
If your little one likes dinosaurs then this can be a fun option!
I like this playful option for little ones that are motivated by play (which most kids are!)
Some children may even look forward to some time with a dinosaur helping to clean their teeth!
This brush is designed for kiddos from 1-4 and has a nice small soft brush.
You can see the dinosaur version here or grab the crocodile one here.
Toothbrush Designed for Little Hands
The grip on this toothbrush is helpful for little ones that may struggle with grabbing and guiding a smaller toothbrush.
We want our little ones to be able to participate in the brushing of their own teeth and this brush designed for little hands should make it easier for them to participate in the process.
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Should you use an electric toothbrush?
There do seem to be some electric toothbrushes designed for young children.
Learn more about this toothbrush HERE.
Discussing this option at your next pediatric dentistry appointment would be helpful.
Be Patient When it Comes to Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
Brushing a toddler’s teeth can be difficult.
However, by involving your child in the decision-making process and making it fun, you should have an easier time getting them to cooperate.
I recommend finding ways for the child to participate and making the routine a fun one to do together.
Make sure to join my Mindful Parents of Babies and Toddlers community for more toddler tips and resources!
Get more toddler teeth brushing information and resources:
Mouth Healthy by American Dental Association
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Toddler Tooth Brushing FAQ
If you don’t brush your toddler’s teeth, they will be more likely to have cavities and dental problems.
It is important to start taking care of their teeth as soon as possible!
Starting a dental practice early on helps them establish their practice now, and helps them create great habits for the future.
Including tooth brushing, two times a day should be sufficient. Establishing a routine where they gently brush their teeth in the morning and night should help keep your child’s mouth healthy.
You may have to try out a few strategies to see what works best for your child.
One thing that you can try is opening your own mouth and modeling for them how to do it.
You could do this by just brushing teeth side by side with them or you could have them brush yours while you brush theirs.
You could also have them pretend to be an animal and say something like “Open your mouth wide like a crocodile!”
Related Posts You Will Enjoy
Social-Emotional Activities for Toddlers
Best Outdoor Toys for 2-Year-Old
Positive Potty Training: How to Ease into Toilet Training with Toddlers
How to Relax a Toddler Before Bed
Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.