Introduction
Many parents struggle with how to get toddlers to brush teeth because toddlers often resist brushing, turning it into a daily battle. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, 1 year old won’t let me brush his teeth or 2 year old won’t let me brush his teeth, you’re not alone.
Toddlers are independent and curious by nature but do not understand the importance of oral health. Some children will not open their mouths, while others bite the toothbrush, run away, or have tantrums. Despite all these, having a proper brushing routine is essential for their future dental health.
This guide provides step-by-step tips for helping with how to get toddlers to brush teeth, or when can kids brush their teeth, tips on how to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste, and play-based methods to make brushing teeth fun—even if your toddler hates brushing teeth.
Why Brushing Toddler’s Teeth is Important
Most parents think that baby teeth are not important as they will eventually fall out. Proper oral hygiene in childhood is a guarantee of healthy permanent teeth and the avoidance of cavities. Bad habits during childhood lead to painful cavities in two year old’s teeth, which may cause discomfort, difficulty in eating, and costly dental procedures.
Even if your baby won’t let me brush teeth, you need to keep on trying to develop a routine. Decayed baby teeth can affect speech development, cause infections, and make dental problems in adulthood more likely.
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When to Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth?
Oral care should start even before the first tooth comes out. You can start by wiping your baby’s gums with a damp, soft cloth to clean bacteria and food bits. When the first tooth comes out—around six months—you should introduce a baby toothbrush and brush their teeth gently twice a day.
When your child is one year old, they should already have a brushing habit. However, many parents face challenges at this stage, leading them to say things like 1 year old won’t let me brush his teeth or baby won’t let me brush teeth. Persistence and turning brushing into a good experience are the solutions.
How to Get Toddler to Brush Teeth: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
The right tools can make a big difference. A soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head is best for toddlers. Many children resist brushing because they dislike the taste of toothpaste, so choosing a flavored option like strawberry or bubblegum can help.
Toddlers will resist brushing if they don’t enjoy the toothpaste taste or texture. If your toddler hates brushing teeth, experiment with several brands to discover one that they prefer. Use only a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste, because swallowing excessive amounts is harmful.
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2. Make Brushing a Fun and Engaging Experience
If your toddler dislikes brushing teeth, making it a game can make a big difference. Some playful ideas are:
• Singing a Song: Make up a brushing song or play one from an app to get them to brush for two minutes.
• Using a Timer: Use a fun timer with lights or music to make brushing like a challenge.
• Storytelling: Tell a story in which the toothbrush is a superhero that battles sugar bugs in their mouth.
• Brushing Apps: Interactive apps make brushing fun and rewarding.
By making brushing enjoyable, your toddler will anticipate it rather than resist.
3. Try the Two-Toothbrush Method
If your 2 year old won’t let me brush his teeth, try the two-toothbrush trick. Hold a toothbrush in your child’s hand while you brush their teeth with another toothbrush.
Children resist brushing because they desire control. Allowing them to hold a toothbrush while you brush their teeth may make them feel involved, reducing resistance.
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4. Use the Copycat Technique
Kids love to mimic adults. If you show them a good time brushing, they’ll be more likely to do the same. Brush your teeth in front of them and remark, see how clean my teeth are! Let’s get yours to sparkle too!
Another trick is to make them help you with brushing your teeth first. Offer them your toothbrush and make them act like they are brushing your teeth. Afterward, say that now it’s your turn to brush theirs.
5. Give Them Choices to Get Them Independent
Toddlers resist brushing when they think they are being forced. Don’t say, It’s time to brush your teeth, rather offer them limited choices like:
• Do you want to brush with the blue toothbrush or the red one?
• Do you want to brush your top teeth or bottom teeth first?
• Do you want to brush your teeth before or after your story?
Giving them options makes them feel as if they’re in charge, decreasing resistance.
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6. Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise and rewards can do a miracle when working with a resistant child. Each time they brush their teeth, provide them with positive feedback:
• Wow, your teeth are so clean and shiny!
• You were a perfect brusher today!
A sticker chart is also a great motivator. Provide a sticker for each brush that goes well, and after one week, give them a small reward in the form of a new toothbrush or an extra bedtime story.
7. Attempt the Knee-to-Knee Method for Defiant Toddlers
If your baby won’t let me brush teeth, the knee-to-knee method can be helpful.
1. Sit facing another adult (like your partner or grandparent).
2. Place your child across both laps, with their head on one adult’s knees.
3. One adult holds their hands lightly while the other brushes their teeth.
This method gives more control while keeping your child safe and secure.
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At What Age Should a Child Brush Their Own Teeth?
Parents frequently ask, At what age can a child brush their own teeth? Or when can kids brush their own teeth? Although toddlers will insist that they can do it themselves, most children do not have the fine motor skills to brush properly until they are about 7 or 8 years old.
A helpful guideline is: If they can tie their shoelaces, they can probably brush their teeth well. Until then, they should brush with parental supervision to make sure they get a good clean.
What If My Toddler Swallows Toothpaste?
It is natural for small kids to swallow small quantities of toothpaste during tooth-brushing training. However, too much swallowing of fluoride toothpaste will create fluorosis, a situation in which there will be white marks on permanent teeth.
How to Preventing It:
• Put only a rice-sized amount of toothpaste on young children younger than 3 years.
• Make them spit out the toothpaste once they can do it (at the age of about 3 years).
• If they don’t like the taste of mint, use a mild or fruit-flavored toothpaste.
If your child regularly swallows toothpaste even after you attempt to prevent this, use a fluoride-free toddler toothpaste until they master spitting.
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When Should a Toddler Visit a Dentist?
Several parents believe toddlers shouldn’t visit a dentist, but experts advise the initial dental visit by 1 year of age or when the first tooth appears.
Why Early Visits to the Dentist Are Essential:
• The dentist monitors for initial indications of tooth decay.
• They instruct parents in brushing and oral hygiene practices.
• Initial visits familiarize toddlers with the dentist, minimizing future anxiety.
In case your child has existing cavities or early indications of decay, the dentist will treat or offer preventive care such as fluoride varnish.
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Final Thoughts
If your 1 year old won’t let me brush his teeth or your 2 year old won’t let me brush his teeth, don’t worry—it’s a common problem! The trick is to remain patient, use creative tricks, and make brushing fun.
Each child is unique, so try different approaches until you discover the one that suits them. Your toddler will have a healthy brushing habit in the long run, and it will prepare them for a lifetime of good oral care.
What was the best approach for your child? Let us know in the comments!
