Every parent knows that a toddler’s favorite word is “no.” Sometimes, our little ones can drive us to the brink of frustration with their refusal to comply with even the simplest requests, and it can be tempting to give in to their demands. However, when it comes to their oral hygiene, there’s no room for negotiation. Toddlers’ teeth need to be brushed regularly. This article will provide good tips on how to brush your toddler’s teeth when they refuse.
How To Brush Toddler Teeth When They Refuse?
Before delving into strategies to handle toddler teeth brushing tantrums, let’s establish some essential guidelines for proper tooth care for your little one:
- Choose the Right Toothbrush: Opt for a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. This design ensures a comfortable fit in their tiny mouths and is gentle on their developing teeth and gums
- Establish a Routine: Brush your toddler’s teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Consistency is key to instilling good oral hygiene habits from an early age
- Use the Right Toothpaste: Begin with the smallest smear of fluoride-containing toothpaste, approximately the size of a grain of rice. As your child grows, acquires more teeth, and learns to spit, you can gradually increase the amount to the size of a pea
- Brushing Technique: Gently brush their teeth using back and forth, vibrating motions for a minimum of two minutes to ensure a thorough cleaning
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s address the challenge of dealing with a toddler who vehemently refuses to have their teeth brushed.
How to Avoid the Toddler Teeth Brushing Tantrum
If every attempt to brush your toddler’s teeth feels like entering a battlefield, it’s time to implement some strategies to make the process smoother and less stressful:
1. Choosing a Toothpaste
While minty fresh toothpaste may be your go-to choice, some children find it unpleasant due to its spicy or burning sensation. Thankfully, various children’s toothpaste options are available with milder flavors tailored to young palates. Just make sure the toothpaste you choose contains at least 1000ppm fluoride, following the Ministry of Health guidelines.
2. Selecting the Perfect Toothbrush
Engage your toddler in decision-making by allowing them to choose their favorite colored toothbrush. This simple step can transform the entire experience into a positive one. Make the toothbrush shopping trip enjoyable; a wide array of appealing styles are available, from Peppa Pig and dinosaurs to Minions and the Wiggles.
3. Stick to a Routine
Children thrive when they know what to expect. Establishing a daily routine that includes tooth brushing at the beginning and end of each day can provide a sense of normalcy and predictability, making it easier for your toddler to cooperate.
4. Brush Your Teeth Together
Children often look up to their parents and want to emulate their actions. Brushing your own teeth alongside your toddler can motivate them to follow suit. While you should primarily brush their teeth, encourage them to mimic your actions to become familiar with the process.
5. Brush Teddy or Dolly’s Teeth Too
Toddlers often seek to replicate their parents’ behaviors and routines with their beloved toys. To capitalize on this, provide your toddler with a second toothbrush and encourage them to brush their favorite toy’s teeth while you tend to their oral care. This tactic not only serves as a distraction but also helps familiarize your child with the concept of teeth brushing.
Final Words: How To Brush Toddler Teeth When They Refuse?
In conclusion, managing toddler tantrums during teeth brushing can be challenging. Still, with patience and creativity, it’s possible to turn it into a positive and enjoyable experience for you and your child. You can make this daily task a breeze by choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush, establishing a consistent routine, leading by example, and involving their toys. Remember, your child’s dental health is worth the effort, and these strategies can pave the way for a lifetime of better oral hygiene habits.
