As soon as your toddler is old enough to hold a toothbrush, they can start learning how to brush their teeth. Daily brushing will help your little one avoid cavities. This is a new skill that requires practice, so here are a few tips to help you in the process.

How to Teach a Toddler to Brush Their Teeth

1. Let Them Choose Their Supplies

Take your child to the store and introduce them to the wide range of children’s toothbrushes available. Most include fun colors or animated characters, which will get your toddler excited about dental care.

Also, discuss all the toothpaste flavors and see what they'd like to try. While they still help fight cavities, kid-friendly products are available in sweet, fruity flavors that naturally appeal to children. 

2. Brush Together

Children learn by example, so make it a point to brush your teeth with them. Demonstrate proper handling, positioning, and movement of the brush. You can even make it a game by telling your little one to mimic everything you do.

Don't be overly concerned with the quality of the brushing just yet; keep the focus on getting them into the habit of daily dental care and controlling the brush on their own.

3. Find Other Examples

There are many storybooks about brushing and fighting cavities that make for entertaining bedtime reads. These help you teach your little one about the importance of proper oral hygiene. You could also watch online videos about dental care with your child. This way, you're normalizing this new skill and helping sediment its importance.

Your baby should start visiting the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts. Since 2001, Pediatric Dentistry of Onalaska, LLC has been serving patients throughout the Tri-State Area. Their pediatric dentistry services include exams, cavity treatments, crowns, and sealants. They strive to create a comfortable environment where kids feel excited about dental care. Call (608) 781-9114 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their work.