It is very common for the toddlers to refuse to brush their teeth. But that doesn't mean you need to give up this routine. The key here is to solve the problem by finding what's causing your child's resistance. Here are some few suggestions:
Let your toddler choose the supplies.
Giving your toddler an opportunity to choose his own toothbrush and toothpaste can empower him on maintaining good dental habits. Hence, let him pick his own supplies because he might like something with a particular design such as SpongeBob or Superman. Let your child pick his toothpaste too, so he can choose the flavor he likes the most. This way, you can make brushing time an exciting time for your little one.
Brush with your toddler.
Toddlers love to mimic their parent's action. Hence, practicing good oral hygiene together is an effective way to encourage your kid to give his teeth a thorough cleaning. Show your kid how it should be done, like how to clean their back molars and under their gums. Doing this routine every day with your child can surely motivate him to keep his teeth healthy.
Make it fun!
Dental experts recommend that children should brush their teeth twice a day and two minutes every brushing session. So, to help your kid not to mind the time, you can hum together with your favorite song. Using this technique can make the time pass quicker while your kid is having a good time on brushing.
Handle the evening session.
Parents should always help their toddlers brush at least once a day to properly clean their pearly white teeth. With that being said, you can let your child brush his teeth every morning while you can take charge every evening. But if your child resist, try playing his favorite video, so he will be distracted while you're thoroughly brushing his teeth.
Associating brushing with something positive can definitely encourage your little one to keep their teeth healthy. So, make every session fun!
