When you have a baby, you have some amount of control over them but as they reach toddlerhood, you slowly start losing any control over what they want to do, when they want to do it, and how they behave. Basically, it can feel like temper tantrums consume your life. And even though you may get lenient on what they eat for dinner, there are some things that you have to be a little more strict on; like tooth brushing. If you are having a hard time getting your toddler to brush their teeth, this article is just the thing for you.
Brush Together
If there’s one thing to know about toddlers it’s that they want to be big just like their older siblings and parents. Use this to your advantage and try brushing your teeth together. When they see that you are brushing your teeth and enjoying it, they are more likely to join in on the fun.
Watch Shows or Read Books About Tooth Brushing
Try going to the library and getting books on toothbrushing and reading them with your toddler throughout the day to get them familiar with the idea. Additionally, watch shows that have characters that brush their teeth like Daniel Tiger. These types of shows will show your toddler that toothbrushing is normal, fun, and nothing to be fussed about.
Lend Them a Hand
If you can’t get your toddler to brush their own teeth because they are too small, then you’ll need to lend a hand and do it for them. Rather than brushing their teeth when they’re throwing a fit and laying down, prop them up and give them a book to look at or toy to play with while you get to work at cleaning their teeth; the more in control they feel, the easier it will be.
Having a toddler who doesn’t want to cooperate can be extremely stressful. Hopefully, by using these tips in the morning and before bed every night, you can make tooth brushing more fun and less of a headache. If you want to learn more pediatric dentistry tips, call Dr. Nazila Bidabadi at our Brighton or Newton office at (617) 332-8146.
