{"id":1167,"date":"2022-02-07T15:18:01","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T21:18:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistryforkids.info\/?p=1167"},"modified":"2024-10-31T22:08:15","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T22:08:15","slug":"top-resources-tips-for-teaching-your-toddler-how-to-brush","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/2022\/02\/top-resources-tips-for-teaching-your-toddler-how-to-brush\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Resources &#038; Tips for Teaching Your Toddler How to Brush"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toddlers and young children are constantly developing new skills, from learning their ABC\u2019s to mastering the art of sharing. Although brushing their teeth may not be the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fun skill to learn, it\u2019s crucial to their oral health for this habit to start early on. But let\u2019s face it, teaching a toddler to do anything consistently can be a daunting task. We\u2019ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to make brushing time less of a battle and more fun!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brushing Basics<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like adults, children should brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aapd.org\/resources\/parent\/faq\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Academy of Pediatric Dentists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommends using a small smear of fluoride toothpaste for baby teeth as soon as they appear. Children ages 3-6 should use a pea-size drop and just a bit more as they get older.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adding fluoride mouthwash to their routine like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.actoralcare.com\/products\/act-kids\/act-kids-mouthwash\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ACT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.listerine.com\/mouthwash\/for-kids\/listerine-smart-rinse\/listerine-smart-rinse-mouthwash-berry-splash\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listerine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another way to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, especially as they grow into their adult teeth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children can use either regular or electric toothbrushes as long as they have soft bristles and are small enough to fit in their mouths.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parents are advised to assist with brushing until children are around seven or eight years old to ensure they are taking enough time and getting squeaky clean.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for a quick refresher on the proper brushing technique to pass on to your children? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryforkids.info\/new-patients\/brushing-instructions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out our blog for step-by-step instructions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t Forget to Floss!&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting into the routine of flossing from a young age is another major step in establishing good oral hygiene for your child. As soon as they have two teeth next to each other, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryforkids.info\/2019\/12\/easy-steps-to-make-dental-flossing-a-habit\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you can begin practicing with them!<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To make it easier as they are learning, start by showing them how it\u2019s done. You can try using pre-threaded flossers or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/oralb.com\/en-us\/dental-floss-picks-alternative-for-dental-flossing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">floss picks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help control the string and reach all their teeth. These tools can be helpful as they mature and start to floss themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set an Example&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toddlers are like sponges\u2014they are constantly soaking in their environment and mirroring what those around them do. Use this to your advantage and set a good example. Make sure they are in the room while you are brushing your teeth and flossing in the morning and at night. Talk them through the importance of why we brush our teeth. Enlist older siblings or other family members to do the same to make it a family affair that they want to be a part of.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stick with It&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With dinner, school, activities, and the stress of everyday life, it can be tempting to let your kiddo skip brushing at the end of a busy day. However, when building a habit, consistency is key! The more you regularly practice, the more it becomes ingrained into their everyday lives. Starting good oral hygiene habits from a young age will build a foundation of strong, healthy teeth for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add Some Music&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who doesn\u2019t love to dance to a song to make everyday tasks more fun? Luckily there are tons of free, educational resources online to make brushing more enjoyable for your child.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Youtube<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Youtube has thousands of videos for children to learn tons of different skills. By using popular cartoon characters and fun graphics, these catchy videos will be sure to have your kids looking forward to jamming out while brushing their teeth twice a day. Here are a few of our favorites:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ku-ForS6G3I\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tooth Brushing Song &#8211; Blippi<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FA8O_Ff0CFk\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brush to the Beat &#8211; Mickey Mouse<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wCio_xVlgQ0\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brush Your Teeth &#8211; Super Simple Songs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wooYZCJI7WI\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brush Your Teeth Dance Along &#8211; Pink Fong&nbsp;<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spotify&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This music streaming service offers many different playlists dedicated to children.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/4KQbkP1fRNsHLjc2tJ93HB\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This one offers almost a month\u2019s worth of songs <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that all encourage proper brushing. Otherwise, use any song your child loves that\u2019s over two minutes long and turn it up!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read About Brushing &amp; Flossing&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reading books with your kiddo is a great way to ease them into unfamiliar situations and to teach new skills. It can also make them feel more comfortable before coming to the dentist for the first time! Try adding a few of these books focused on oral hygiene into their bedtime rotation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Brush-Your-Teeth-Please-Pop-up\/dp\/0794430406\/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20PH1PRLDD2A9&amp;keywords=brush+your+teeth+please&amp;qid=1636391509&amp;qsid=134-8013347-6244423&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=brush+your+t%2Cstripbooks%2C102&amp;sr=1-1&amp;sres=0794430406%2CB011T7V1FK%2CB00QOTC6EY%2C0531252361%2C0794440630%2C0062675184%2C1645754537%2C1680529269%2C0307125831%2C0823422062%2C0394848365%2C0794446612%2C1737325500%2C1439225001%2C0805072683%2C1951287053&amp;srpt=ABIS_BOOK\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brush Your Teeth Please<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Jean Pidgeon&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Brush-Rookie-Toddler\/dp\/0531252361\/ref=sr_1_3?crid=7V3M93D9F2BL&amp;keywords=toothbrush+book+toddler&amp;qid=1636391601&amp;qsid=134-8013347-6244423&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=tooth+brush+book+toddle%2Cstripbooks%2C89&amp;sr=1-3&amp;sres=0794440630%2C0531252361%2C1534485341%2C1680529269%2C0794430406%2C1404857273%2C1782953957%2C1534449094%2C076367933X%2CB091F75KC4%2C054496635X%2C0310737842%2C0307125831%2C1510754792%2C1737325500%2CB084DSHBMQ&amp;srpt=ABIS_BOOK\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brush, Brush, Brush<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Alicia Padron<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0794414451\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=toothtraining-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0794414451&amp;linkId=f808d6ac0f46b4bbbb827fc66f17c2af\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesame Street Ready, Set, Brush<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Che Rudko<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dentist-Little-Critter-Golden-Look-Look\/dp\/0307125831\/ref=asc_df_0307125831\/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=312087669297&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=16188276899120798943&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9017966&amp;hvtargid=pla-434626701559&amp;psc=1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just Going to the Dentist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Mercer Myer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Empower Them&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As they get older, kids tend to value their independence and doing \u2018big kid\u2019 things more and more. Empower them to make brushing their own by letting them pick out a special toothbrush with their favorite character or color. There are many different options of oral hygiene products made specifically for children to encourage healthy brushing habits. Just be sure the products they pick have the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mouthhealthy.org\/en\/ada-seal-products\/kids-shopping-list\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stamp of approval from the American Dental Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a Reward System<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some kids may need an extra nudge when it comes to sticking with a routine. Setting up a reward system can be beneficial for creating structure and motivating your child as they build the habit of brushing their teeth. Use fun stickers or markers<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/2min2x.org\/downloads\/brush-checklist.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on a calendar <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and track each time they brush their teeth for the full two minutes. Every child is unique so find what will motivate them the most. It could be as simple as a sticker at the end of the week or a new book at the end of the month of consistent brushing!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find What Works for Them<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your child still struggles during teeth brushing time, make small changes that best fit their needs. Try switching up toothpaste flavors or the type of toothbrush if they have sensory difficulties. Use cool water instead of hot if they have sensitive gums or teeth. Start small by taking turns brushing their teeth or assisting with flossing for them until they get the hang of it. Instilling these healthy habits at a young age will save your child from unwanted dental issues in the future. Make brushing their teeth a fun part of their everyday routine with the tips above or<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistryforkids.info\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contact our specialists at Pediatric Dentistry of Central Iowa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for more information. We\u2019re here to help make oral hygiene easy for both you and your child!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Toddlers and young children are constantly developing new skills, from learning their ABC\u2019s to mastering the art of sharing. Although brushing their teeth may not be the most fun skill [ <a href=\"https:\/\/dentistryforkids.info\/blog\/2022\/02\/top-resources-tips-for-teaching-your-toddler-how-to-brush\/\">more <i class=\"fas fa-chevron-circle-right\"><\/i><\/a> ]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1539,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Top Resources &amp; Tips for Teaching Your Toddler How to Brush","_seopress_titles_desc":"Are you struggling to get your child excited about brushing their teeth? Read a list of tips &amp; tricks to make oral hygiene a fun part of their routine! 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