by Ellen Page

Created on: April 29, 2009   Last Updated: October 07, 2010

Getting your toddler to brush their teeth is not always an easy task. Encouraging good habits from a young age is always best. It is a good idea to make brushing your little ones teeth part of the daily routine for them, you should aim to clean your toddler's teeth twice a day, cleaning them every morning, and just before bed so they can get used to this. Different tricks and games will help you to get the task done, and you may need to come up with new ways to get your toddler to cooperate.

Try to make it fun; holding them down while they are protesting and crying won't help, as they will start to hate having their teeth cleaned. It takes a little practise and patience with some. Remain calm and relaxed while you attempt to clean their teeth, if your toddler senses that you are becoming stressed, then they are likely to become stressed and anxious too. Explain to your toddler what you are doing and tell them what the toothbrush is for. Here are a few ideas and suggestions to get your toddler off to a happy start, and a shinny smile.

• Show them how it's done

If your toddler has seen you brush your teeth, then they will have a fair idea of how it is done. Cleaning your teeth in front of your child whilst showing that it is fun will encourage them to want to have their teeth cleaned. Children learn by example, so setting a good example and brushing in front of your child will make them eager to have a go themselves. Children love to mimic others around them, so seeing family members brushing their teeth will get them interested.

• Let them choose their own toothbrush

Toddler toothbrushes are usually fun and are designed to encourage your child to want to brush their teeth. You may want to let them help you choose an age appropriate toothbrush, as this will help to encourage them to want to use it. Also let them assist in choosing toothpaste that is especially designed for children, as they come in brightly packaged tubes to entice children.

• Take it in turns

Let your toddler have a go with the brush in-between, before, or after, as toddlers like to be independent and have a go themselves. Let them decide if they want to brush first or if they want you to do it first, toddlers like to be in control and they like to make decisions. Sometimes cleaning their teeth in front of a mirror will encourage them, as they can see themselves having their teeth cleaned.

• Make it fun

Making it into a game and

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