Brushing your child’s teeth is an important habit that starts as soon as their first tooth appears – and continues for a lifetime! (Better Health Channel, 2024). Even before that first tiny tooth pops up, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of wiping your baby’s gums with a warm, soft cloth. Toothbrushing with little ones can be a wild ride. Some days, it’s smooth sailing, and other days, it feels like a mini battle. But trust me, in the end, everyone wins with healthier teeth and bigger smiles! Here’s my experience along with some quick tips and research insights for brushing young children’s teeth, from ages 0-6.
My Experience
I remember growing up, if we forgot our toothbrushes on a trip, my mom would use a damp cotton wool to “brush” our teeth. Now, as a mom myself, I did the same, when my babies didn’t have teeth yet. I used a soft cloth to gently wipe their gums – especially when they started eating solids after their milk-only phase.
Before the age of two, brushing my kids’ teeth was not easy. Some days they threw tantrums, other days they’d suck the toothpaste off the brush, or clench their mouths shut. But slowly, we’ve built a solid brushing routine. Now, at almost four and two years old, they’ve become more independent about brushing, and we brush their teeth twice a day – morning and night. We even have a toothbrushing song:
Brush, brush, brush your teeth,
Brush them nice and clean,
Brushing up, brushing down,
Brushing in between!
It’s sung to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” and it makes brushing a bit more fun.
I’ve also tried all kinds of toothbrushes to make it easier, from silicone finger brushes to U-shaped toddler brushes. If it looked helpful, I bought it! Fun toothbrushes and tasty toothpaste were the way to go. I’ll admit, some days were tougher, with tears and one parent holding the child while the other brushed. But over time, we’ve found a groove. At night, daddy brushes their teeth thoroughly, and in the morning, they model us, giving it a try themselves. My daughter has even learned how to gargle.
6 Quick Tips for Toothbrushing with Young Kids
1. Model toothbrushing: Let your child copy you while you brush. Give them their own toothbrush to mimic your movements, which helps develop their fine motor skills.
2. Make toothbrushing fun: Sing songs, make sounds and silly faces, get creative! This can help them relax and turn brushing into a fun, curious experience.
3. Use a soft toothbrush: Little teeth need soft brushes. A hard brush can hurt their delicate gums, making them dislike brushing even more.
4. Pick age-appropriate toothpaste: Use toothpaste designed for their age, which has little or no fluoride. Fluoride strengthens teeth, but since young children tend to swallow toothpaste, it’s important to avoid large amounts. Try different flavours of toothpaste to see what they like!
5. Brush in the bathroom: Encourage brushing at the sink to help them understand that this is where we clean our teeth.
6. Read/watch toothbrushing content: Explore books or videos about brushing. Many kids love learning through stories and screens, so if you’re struggling, find something that inspires them through this angle.
Research Insight
When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?
As soon as that first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing! Plaque can form on teeth as soon as they emerge, leading to decay if not properly cleaned (Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, 2021; Better Health Channel, 2024). Brushing removes plaque and helps prevent cavities, reducing the need for dentist visits. Also, before teeth appear, commit to wiping their gums morning and night – even after milk feedings, as milk can leave behind sugars.
Toothbrushing with Young Children
Here’s a great video that covers everything I’ve shared and more. It’s all about brushing the teeth of kids aged 0-6, why it’s important, and how to tackle some common challenges. It’s packed with helpful tips and tricks!
Conclusion
It might feel like your little one will never enjoy brushing their teeth, but that’s not true! Just like you don’t give up on diaper changes despite the resistance, you shouldn’t give up on brushing their teeth either. If you’re struggling, check the toothbrush and toothpaste you’re using, and rethink your approach – make it fun and relaxing! Brush together to show them how it’s done, and remember, practice makes perfect. Over time, the little ones who resisted will grow up to brush their teeth all on their own.
Action Point
Reflect on your toothbrushing journey with your infant/toddler. How’s it going for you? Let’s share and learn from one another!
Reference
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV). 2021. Toothbrushing with Young Children. YouTube. Accessed on 19 September 2024. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uACBPUnRraA&t=309s
Hurst Pediatric Dentistry. 2021. Tips for Brushing Baby and Toddler Teeth. Accesssed on 19 September 2024. Available at: https://hurstpediatricdentistry.com/blog/tips-for-brushing-baby-toddler-teeth/#:~:text=As%20soon%20as%20your%20child,very%20first%20tooth%20comes%20in.