Toddler Tooth Brushing: A Practical Guide

If you're a lucky parent, your toddler may actually enjoy having his or her teeth brushed, but if you're like many parents, tooth brushing can be difficult, as some toddlers clamp their mouth shut and make all kinds of fuss to avoid this necessary act of hygiene. Fortunately a little creativity can often turn the tide and get your little one on the path to good oral health.

Tools for the Task

Let your little one participate in selecting a toothbrush, perhaps featuring his favorite character or color. Be sure to choose a soft-bristled brush with a small head, and use toddler "training" toothpaste (non-fluoridated) until he learns to spit it all out. Additionally, try using colorful flosser sticks and you might consider letting your toddler pick the color each time you floss.

Soothe with Music

Many parents have found it helpful to use music and/or singing to unclench those toddler teeth. When sung slowly, the "A-B-C" song is the ideal duration for proper brushing of teeth. If your child is particularly resistant, you may not get through the entire alphabet on your first attempt, but at least you can easily measure progress.

Create a Distraction

Try distracting your child with a favorite book, toy, or television program while you swiftly and expertly brush his or her teeth. Don't worry, your child should eventually get used to having his or her teeth brushed, and the need for the distraction will eventually pass.

Brush in the Bath

If your toddler enjoys bath time, this may provide the perfect relaxed environment in which to brush her teeth. You might even make it a "group" event, by pretending to brush her rubber ducky's teeth, too.

A Family Affair

Sometimes, it can be helpful to let your children see mommy and daddy (plus any older siblings) brushing their teeth, too. You can explain that everyone in the family loves to have clean and sparkly teeth, and he can too.

Little Miss (Mister) Independence

If your toddler insists that she'll "do it myself!" then there's no need to discourage this independence. You may either choose to allow her to brush her teeth herself after you've carefully brushed, or you can let her brush her own teeth, then "inspect" and "catch the spots she missed" while actually brushing her teeth.

Whatever method you choose, remember that it pays to handle issues with oral routine early, since children typically don't possess the fine motor skills to properly brush their teeth until around the age of eight, when cursive writing begins. In other words, you'll be helping your child brush and floss his or her teeth until about the second grade, so don't give up now! Your pediatric dentist may also be able to provide additional tips for toddler tooth brushing.


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Layne Benzley, DDS is the owner/operator of Castle Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, located in Colorado. He specializes in gentle, comprehensive oral health services for children, including preventative care, restorative services and pediatric dental sedation. To learn more about Dr. Benzley, visit his website at CRSmilesDentistry.com or schedule an appointment by calling 303.660.5373.