Top Tips for Toddler Teeth Brushing

1. Start with brushing only once a day (before bed) and add in the morning brushing after.

2. If they get cranky later in the evening brush their teeth first thing in the bed time routine.

3. Have one parent brush while the other demonstrates the open mouth (Roar Like a Lion) and showing teeth (Ggrrr Like a Bear).

4. It might be easier to maintain their attention if they're lying down on the change table instead of sitting or standing.

5. Let your toddler have free rein brushing once you're done. Talk about the toothbrush and let them help rinse it.

6. Sing a song.

Here's ours to the tune of Row Row Row your Boat (repeat a million times):
Brush brush brush your teeth,
Brush your teeth tonight (today),
Brush brush brush your teeth, brush your teeth tonight (today).

7. Pick up a book about brushing teeth.

8. Prepare to visit the dentist.
Talk about the dentist and how they want you to keep your teeth clean (we talk daily).
Have your child visit the dentist with you during your cleaning.
Get an awesome dentist.

Ours is awesome for many reasons, but the breakdown of Little E's first visit:

• The hygienist tried to cajole Little E's mouth open and he resisted, (no roaring like a lion, didn't care about the neat glove or funny mask) until we told him we could count his teeth using a special mirror.
• Then she let him feel the "teeth tickler" tooth brush spin on his hand before asking him which tooth she should try it on first. Then after a couple teeth, she showed him how the "spit vacuum" worked. Then she added toothpaste to the toothbrush. 
• He loved having water squirted in his mouth.
• The dentist came in and checked his teeth, sprayed some "wind" on his hand and then in his mouth to dry his teeth. 
• And of course, they let him pick a toothbrush colour and get a treat from the Toy Chest.