Getting a toddler to brush their teeth Is not easy. In fact, it can be downright exhausting. But dental care is non-negotiable, and establishing healthy brushing habits early can save you and your child from painful dentist visits down the line. So, if you’re a parent, frustrated and ready to pull your hair out every time it’s time to brush those tiny teeth, this post is for you.
Let’s cut through the fluff and get to the practical stuff you can try today.
Make It a Game (Not a Battle)
Toddlers are all about play. The moment you make brushing their teeth a power struggle, you're asking for a meltdown. Instead, turn it into a game.
Ideas to try:
Pretend Play: Let your toddler brush their stuffed animal’s teeth first. Then say something like, “Now it’s your turn!” It gives them a sense of control and makes the process fun.
Toothbrushing Songs: Search YouTube or Spotify for toothbrushing songs. Some parents swear by the "Brush Your Teeth" song by Blippi or Sesame Street's version featuring Elmo. These can help guide the timing and keep your toddler entertained for those essential two minutes.
Pro Tip: The "Brush DJ" app is also a great tool. It plays music for two minutes to help your child know how long to brush.
Let Them Choose Their Brush
Toddlers have opinions, and they love to assert them. If they’re more involved in picking out their toothbrush and toothpaste, they’re more likely to want to use them. Head to the store or browse online together, and let them choose.
Some things to consider:
Fun Toothbrushes: Grab a toothbrush featuring their favorite character—whether it’s a Paw Patrol dog, Frozen’s Elsa, or Baby Shark. They’ll be more excited to use it if they picked it out.
Electric Toothbrushes: For some kids, a manual brush doesn’t cut it. Electric toothbrushes for toddlers are gentle on their gums and have cool lights, timers, and even sounds. Try something like the Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush or Philips Sonicare for Kids. These brushes are designed for little hands and mouths, making the process a bit easier.
Make It Routine (But Not Boring)
Toddlers thrive on routine. When brushing teeth becomes a non-negotiable part of their day, it eventually becomes something they just do. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
Two-Minute Timer: Toddlers often rush through things (like everything in life), so a visual or audio timer can help them stay on track. Try a sand timer, or even better, find an app or timer that lights up or plays music to keep them engaged.
Sticker Charts: Some kids are motivated by rewards. A sticker chart is an easy way to track progress and encourage consistency. Once they fill a row or reach a certain number of stickers, they can earn a small reward (extra playtime, a trip to the park, or a special treat).
Take Turns Brushing
While your toddler may want to do everything on their own (because of course they do), they still need help brushing properly. A good compromise is to let them take the first turn, and then you finish up to ensure all teeth are cleaned well.
This approach lets them feel independent while making sure the job is done right.
Use Distraction When Needed
There will be days when your toddler absolutely refuses to brush, no matter what. This is where distraction comes in handy.
Storytelling: Tell a silly story while brushing their teeth. You can create a story about "cavity monsters" hiding in their teeth, and how the toothbrush is a superhero fighting them off.
Videos: Sometimes, all you need is a good video. Let them watch a short video on your phone or tablet while you brush their teeth. This is a good tactic when nothing else is working.
Don’t Stress—Just Keep Trying
Here’s the thing: toddlers are unpredictable, and what works one day may fail the next. The key is persistence. As frustrating as it is, keep experimenting until you find what clicks for your child. They might resist toothbrushing today, but with time, it will become second nature.
The most important thing is to keep it low-pressure and stay consistent. Eventually, they'll get the hang of it—and you can look forward to one less battle in your parenting day.
Good luck, and remember: you’re doing great, even on those days when it feels like nothing is working.
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