How do you make toddlers like toothbrushing?

Question

My 3-year old daughter used to like brushing her teeth when she was still using a toothpaste that's not flouride-based (it's one of those for babies that tastes like candy). We shifted to a toddler brand toothpaste but she doesn't like it. She says it's hot/spicy (probably because of the minty after taste of flouride) and would cry and cover her mouth every time she sees me with her toothbrush. What do I do? Please help! I don't want her to have cavities.

Answer 1

Make It Fun !

The key to getting your child to brush is to make it fun. Start your program today and look for fun ways to engage your children in the activity. Make it seem as if if brushing is a fun thing to do rather than a chore which must be done.

One method that is fun and effective is allowing your children to brush your teeth. You should laugh a lot and make it a fun activity. Then allow them to "brush" their own teeth. Finish by brushing your child's teeth.You may want to include older siblings in the activity.

Alternatively, have your child brush their favorite doll's teeth before you brush theirs. Remember always allow them to "brush" their own teeth and then follow up by brushing their teeth correctly.

Use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush as larger amounts tend to create excessive foam making it more difficult for your child to brush.

Make sure that your child gets in the habit of spitting out the toothpaste. Swallowing toothpaste on a consistent basis can lead to a condition known as fluorosis, in which spots may appear on your child's teeth.

Be careful of the toothpaste you use. Almost all toothpastes contain harsh flavorings that adults barely notice, but that can sting young mouths. This is one of the reasons children do not like to brush. A safe toothpaste alternative for kids is Enamel Saver Toothpaste for Kids

If your child still refuses to engage in these toothbrushing games, make toothbrushing appear as a fun activity they are missing out on. Have mom and dad go up to the bathroom eager to brush. Laugh a lot and make a lot of noise. Soon your child will realize that they are missing out on something fun and will want to join in.

Your enthusiasm is contagious ! If you are enthusiastic about the activity, your children will be enthusiastic. Children are great emulators. They tend to want to do the things that their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow.

Parents, in fact, are responsible for making sure their children's teeth are clean until the child reaches five to six years of age ! This is because, on average, younger children do not have the manual dexterity required to brush teeth effectively.

Why should you go to great lengths to brush your child's teeth ? The most important reason is that tooth decay occurs faster in children than in adults. By brushing your child's teeth, you remove the plaque bacteria which are responsible for this tooth decay.

Another reason to help your child learn to brush is that this helps them develop a crucial habit which will last a lifetime.

Answer 2

I haven't seen minty toddler toothpaste. We use Oral-B with the Princesses on it. I had my daughter pick out the toothpaste and tooth brush, which made the chore of brushing easier. I am teaching her to count n spanish, so I have her count and brush...1-5 on the bottom left, 1-5 top left, etc. Also, if she brushes al lof her teeth until I say she's done, she can choose a show to watch on TV. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

My kids said that too! I ended up getting them the kid's watermelon flavor and just put a very, very small amount (about the size of 1/2 a pea) on the brush. Of course taking them to the store and letting her pick out her own toothbrush should help too!

I also ended up making a little game out of getting the "sugar bugs" off their teeth. Like saying "eww, I see a sugar bug let me get it quick!" and then we were off! I just pretend like I'm getting one after another and pretty soon they are saying "let me get it, mama!" That is fun!

I also started taking them to the dentist for checkups at age 2 1/2. I would say, "guess what we get to do today?" with lots of enthusiasm. I found a great pediatric dentist with great toys and movies in the waiting room and they just love it!

Good luck! Just make it fun and think positive!

Answer 4

There is this new product out there, I am not sure who makes it though. It is a mouth Wash that turns any plaque in your child's mouth blue, so they know where to brush. maybe that will help. Also try brushing your teeth at the same time and get a small hour glass that is set for three minutes and you can dance to music while brushing. good luck

Answer 5

i does no longer use the electrical powered ones in any respect. they do no longer artwork as properly and can do extra harm then help in the experience that your toddler presses it to confusing against her tooth or gums. That the teeth is ordinary to brush off and he or she would be in a position to improve comfortable gums from incorrect brushing. attempt brushing your tooth together with her. Make a large production of beginning your mouth huge to get the back ones. Brushing tops and bottoms, fronts and backs. it ought to no longer be a too extraordinarily effective way of brushing your individual tooth, yet toddlers study by imitation. you will nevertheless ought to wrangle to the toothbrush from her and brush her tooth later on yet have her bypass by a similar motions of the mouth, open huge, bare her tooth, and so on. Do it together with her. Tease her approximately making humorous faces (which ought to make her do extra, don't be recommend....that's unhappy that I ought to assert that) She is in simple terms gonna ought to deal as are you. yet she'll hate the cavities extra.

Answer 6

They have fluoride toothpastes in different flavors for children. Check into that.

You could also buy her a special toothbrush. My son loves his Winnie the Pooh one, because it plays the theme song. He knows when it stops, he can stop brushing.

Answer 7

For my kids, we got the Crest spinbrushes in their favorite characters... spongebob for the boys, cinderella for my daughter. They love them. As for toothpaste, we use a kids version of crest that is berry flavored... I've tried it myself and its not spicy at all (sickeningly sweet, but definitely not spicy) - they love it as well. Maybe try another flavor, make sure its for kids. Hope this helps!