Brushing your toddler's teeth

As a parent, we want to do everything we can to ensure our kids are healthy and happy. A big part of their health that we are control of is their oral hygiene. Even being in the dental field, I myself found it extremely difficult to brush my toddlers teeth from the moment they began erupting. I resorted to brushing in his sleep, desperate to do every and anything I could as I spotted his first signs of tooth decay. Unfortunately I was too late and that tooth has now darkened, weakened and is stained. Luckily, it is a baby tooth but the damage was already done. I made sure that from then on, we had a strict brushing routine, especially as he was breastfed until the age of 2. Starting these habits early will set the precedent for them to take care of their teeth, even though they're just toddlers. 

I can definitely confirm that brushing a toddler's teeth can be challenging. Sometimes tears were involved - and not from his end! They can be wildly non-cooperative and throw very messy tantrums. In this blog post, we'll delve into some tips and techniques for brushing your toddler's teeth, so you can keep their smile healthy and bright and avoid getting to the stage where I was.

Let’s start by talking about when we should start brushing your toddler’s teeth. It's recommended that you start brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. This is usually around 6-8 months old. Even before the first tooth appears, you can gently clean your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth or gauze. Incorporate this into your daily routine, morning and night to get them used to the feeling. 

When it comes to choosing a toothbrush and toothpaste for your toddler, it's important to choose products that are specifically designed for their age group. Look for toothbrushes with soft bristles and a small head that can fit comfortably in your child's mouth. For toothpaste, choose one that is for children under 2 years old and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children aged 2-5 years old. We can make some recommendations in the clinic if you’re unsure.

Use a soft, circular motion to gently brush all of your toddler's teeth and gums when brushing. Brush the front teeth first, then the back teeth, and finally the tongue. Don’t forget the back surface of their teeth where we may often miss. Urge your child to spit out the toothpaste and rinse as needed. When your child gets older, you can let them do their own tooth brushing, but make sure to watch over them and help them when necessary. There will be minimal benefit to brushing their teeth if it is not done properly. 

What makes things easier in life? FUN. It can be difficult to get your toddler to brush their teeth, but you can make it easier by making it entertaining and interesting. When you brush, try singing or playing a game, or let your child pick out their own toothpaste and toothbrush. I, myself, purchase the special character toothbrushes with Spiderman which my son loves! Replacing toothbrushes every 3 months also keeps things fun, fresh and hygienic. You might even commend them or give them a reward for a job well done. I find it also helps when I tell my little man that he’s got “yucky” in his teeth or say “Oh, I can see some meat or yoghurt stuck in there”. I then try to distract him by going through what he ate in the day so he knows these are all the things stuck on his teeth that mummy needs to remove. 

At the end of the day, the oral health and wellbeing of your toddler falls on you taking good care of their teeth. Your child's teeth can remain strong and healthy by starting early, using the correct products, and employing gentle brushing techniques. With a little perseverance and imagination, you can make brushing your toddler's teeth exciting and joyful for both you and your child. I constantly repeat the mantra to myself: it’s only for now, not forever.