Taming the Toothbrush Tango Tips to Get Your Toddler Excited About Brushing

If you have a mini human in your home, you’ve likely faced the nightly battle of wills known as "getting your toddler to brush their teeth." It's a dance that is all too familiar for parents of small children—the twist of the toddler, the turn of the toddler toothbrush, and sometimes, tears all over their toddler toothpaste.

That’s why we have decided to write a brush-baby guide to help transform this daily challenge into a fun routine. In the guide we’ll explore practical tips and creative solutions to make toothbrushing a more happy and less traumatic experience for both you and your little one!

Understanding the Toddler Mindset

Before having a look into the how-to's, it's important to understand toddler resistance. At this stage, they're asserting independence and see brushing as an annoying interruption to their playtime or bedtime stories. The sensory aspects of brushing—like the texture of the toddler toothbrush texture or the toddler toothpaste's taste—can also be overwhelming. Recognising these challenges helps you approach brushing with empathy and creativity, making it easier for you to come up with solutions.

Choosing the Right Tools for the Job

Choosing the right tools can make a massive difference. Baby and toddler toothbrushes with favourite cartoon characters or bright colours can spark interest. At brush-baby, we offer a range of children's toothbrushes, including manual and electric options, all designed for little mouths. Start with a soft-bristled baby brush for gentle cleaning, then transition to firmer bristles as they grow. Electric toothbrushes for children, like our WildOnes Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush can add fun to brushing. Pair with kids' toothpaste in exciting flavours for a tasty and safe brushing experience.

Making Brushing a Fun Adventure

Turn them picking up their toddler toothbrush and toddler toothpaste into a fun game, this can help shift the experience from a dreaded chore to a fun activity. Introduce a story or a song that coincides with brushing time, like a favourite nursery rhyme or a made-up superhero story. This not only makes the time spent brushing fly by but can also create a positive association with the routine.
You could also use a sticker reward chart for regular brushings. Every successful attempt earns them a sticker, and after a week of consistent brushing, a small reward, like an extra bedtime story or a special outing, helps to reinforce the habit in a positive way.

Establishing a Routine

Consistency is key when setting up a dental routine. Choose a specific time each day, like after meals, to make brushing a regular part of your little one’s day. Whether it’s in the morning or before bed, sticking to a routine helps build the habit. If getting them to brush their teeth becomes tricky, try integrating it into bath time when your toddler may be calmer. Using a children’s toothbrush timer can also help to make brushing more fun and also help your toddler learn how long to brush.

Handling Resistance with Patience

Despite your best efforts, there are going to be days when your toddler resists. In those moments, patience is super key. Instead of forcing it, ask open-ended questions to understand why they are reluctant—maybe they're just tired or have irritated teething gums. Offering simple choices, like between two kids toothbrushes or toddler toothpaste flavours, can give them a sense of control and ease resistance.

Getting Creative with Solutions

Every child is different, so sometimes you need to get creative. Turn toothbrushing into a fun role-play game where your toddler is the dentist, or use dental hygiene apps with fun animated characters to make picking up their toddler toothbrush interactive. A personalised playlist can also help to make brushing more fun!

Set Your Little One Up For A Lifetime Of Healthy Smiles

Brushing your toddler's teeth can be a fun experience with a little creativity and the right tools. Turn it into an enjoyable routine, setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Explore our range of brush-baby products, from baby teething toys to kids toothbrushes and everything in between, are your go to for your child's dental care.