by Ellie Tat

Created on: April 26, 2010   Last Updated: May 05, 2010

Toddlers live in the moment. This is an admirable trait, which we can all learn from, but it also makes the parents’ lives difficult sometimes. Toddlers do not care about the unclear future benefits of brushing their teeth. All they know is that at this particular moment this is a boring, uncomfortable activity, which distracts them from what they really want to do. So how do we avoid the daily battles and keep our toddlers’ teeth clean at the same time?

Create a routine

Toddlers are less likely to resist events that they know are coming. Make brushing your child’s teeth part of the daily routine and stick to it. Even when your toddler is having a meltdown and it is impossible to give the teeth a good clean, at least pretend you are doing it to reinforce that this is what happens daily without fail. It may take a while, but eventually your toddler will accept this an inevitable part of his day and even remind you, if you forget.

Encourage the toddler’s independence

Toddlers love to do things themselves, so get them involved. Let your toddler choose his toothbrush. Let him brush his teeth by himself and you can just ‘finish’ it for him. Of course, toddlers lack the dexterity to complete the task on their own, but after they have had a go at it, they are more likely to let you do it.

Try different tastes

Some toddlers do not like the spearmint taste of the toothpaste. If you are using toothpaste and your toddler does not like it, try a different one. Berry flavored toothpaste might be the only change your toddler needs to enjoy the procedure a little bit more.

Make it fun

The easiest way to get toddlers to do anything is to turn it into a game. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

* Brush each other’s teeth.

* Brush the toddler’s teeth in front of the mirror.

* Ask your toddler to make animal noises (or any other noises that will get his mouth open).

* Pretend that your toddler’s favorite teddy bear is holding the toothbrush. Get different toys to ‘brush’ his teeth to keep it interesting. Even trucks, trains and cars can do it.

* Look for imaginary characters inside his mouth (... and once you find them, they might want to go for a swim in the potty). Change the characters to keep it interesting.

Take your toddler to the dentist

Dental check-ups are recommended and they can also have an unexpected effect on your child’s attitude towards brushing teeth. Choose a dentist who specializes in children, as they are more skilled in getting toddlers to cooperate. A dental check-up will usually include a demonstration of correct brushing, after which the toddler gets to take the toothbrush home. You may find that the toothbrush becomes your toddler’s most valued possession and brushing teeth – a breeze.

You might be lucky to come across something that works night after night. Or you may find that everything works for a few days and then you have to come up with something new. Instead of getting frustrated, why not join the game? Make this your daily creativity exercise and have some fun with it.

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