Energizer Toddlers

As soon as a baby becomes mobile, it seems like they want to get into absolutely everything. Their newfound interest in exploring every cabinet within reach only seems to intensify as they grow into full-fledged toddlers. Only, now they feel like they must do everything themselves—and in a lot of ways, they do! This can lead to plenty of tantrums with even the most mundane tasks, whether this is putting on shoes, peeling an orange, or even oral health care like tooth brushing.

When your toddler wants to do everything independently, it can be adorable, but also trying. You know that their oral health in childhood impacts their adult life, so you’re likely wondering how you are supposed to teach them to take care of their teeth and nurture their independence, while also ensuring it’s done properly—preferably without a screaming fit.

We understand, so we’ve compiled our top tips to help make tooth brushing easier for you and your toddler.

Lead by example.

Potentially one of the easiest ways to ensure your toddler’s teeth are brushed properly and let them have some independence is by leading by example. Bring their tooth brushing supplies into your bathroom and make it a family experience. Assure your little one that they will get their turn to do it themselves, but go ahead and brush their teeth first. That way, you are sure there isn’t anything left behind. After you are done, let them try! While they do that, it’s time to brush your own teeth. They are sure to have a great time copying you!

Modeling the behavior you want them to have helps make it a habit and shows them the proper way to hold the toothbrush and move it around their mouth. They’re more likely to enjoy the activity as they grow, as well as learn to brush their teeth effectively. 

Make brushing fun.

If you’ve got a toddler who just doesn’t want to sit still to brush their teeth, it’s time to think up some ways to make the experience fun. This can be as simple as letting them pick out a new toothbrush. Whether they are fans of Bluey or Paw Patrol, the perfect one is out there somewhere. Just be sure to select a brush with soft bristles so they don’t damage the sensitive tissues in their mouth.

Sometimes a toothbrush isn’t enough to make a toddler interested. If that is the case, it’s time to try out different toothpastes. Perhaps they don’t like the flavor or color of the one they have, so let them try another one. There are plenty of options to choose from, and many even have their favorite characters on the package. Be sure to pick toothpaste with fluoride, as this will help their teeth stay cavity-free. 

The fun doesn’t have to stop with new gear! One of our favorite ways to get young kids involved is to sing a silly song each time you brush their teeth—the more ridiculous the better. Whether you make up your own tune or sing the Silly Brushing Song, you’re bound to get some grins and laughs out of it!

You could even play some games to get your little ones interested. A quick round of Simon Says is plenty to make the experience fun. You can even play a freeze dance game with their favorite songs. The rules are simple: each time you pause the song, they have to freeze!

Establish an oral health routine.

Setting a consistent routine for your little ones is a surefire way to establish lifelong habits. Remember that even on those days where they would rather scream than brush their teeth, it will pass. Just remain consistent, and it will get better!

Life gets busy sometimes, and we all forget one thing or another. This is when sticker charts come in handy—even for adults. If you tell your little one that they get to put a sticker on the chart or calendar each time they brush their teeth, it’s almost a guarantee that they won’t forget. 

Use positive reinforcement.

If you use a sticker chart or something similar to remind yourself to get everyone’s teeth brushed, be sure to think up some fun prizes that fit your budget and lifestyle. Small toys, like bubbles, crayons, or bouncy balls could work well!

Whether you create a reward system or not, shower your little ones with praise each time they let you brush their teeth. Let them know how proud you are! It may sound simple, but those little gestures stay with them for a lifetime. 

Educate them about healthy eating.

Food and toddlers can be a difficult combination. One day, all they want to eat is chicken nuggets. The next? They’d much rather live on a diet of Halloween candy and apple juice. With each passing day, you never know what they’re going to be in the mood for.

Even with these frequent (daily?) food shifts, it never hurts to explain to them that certain foods don’t get along well with their teeth. You can tell them how candy can eat away at the enamel (hard exterior) of their teeth and cause cavities, and you can also share how foods like apples help clean their teeth between brushes.

When incorporating tooth-friendly snacks, don’t be afraid to get creative. Whether you put peanut butter on a slice of celery and top it with raisins or add tasty strawberries to a salad, it’ll help make the healthy options a little more enticing. 

Every day is different!

Life with toddlers can be interesting, to say the least. One day, they’re climbing up the walls, the next they’re positive that all you want to do is ruin their fun. Each day comes with its unique challenges, so it’s best to have a plan for establishing your little one’s tooth brushing routine as early as possible.
Experiment with these ideas and see what works for you and your family! If you find yourself wondering if you’re getting those teeth clean enough, don’t panic. Bring it up at your toddler’s next dental cleaning, and we will be able to answer any questions you might have.