Toddlers don’t always want to do something that is good for them, and they’re not being stubborn about doing it. They just want to have some autonomy in their lives. The problem is you know that brushing their teeth is one of the most important parts of the day to set up for a healthy future. The good news is your pediatric dentist in Mill Creek has come across this time and time again.
Pediatric dentists know the tricks to encourage toddlers to brush their teeth. It’s all about making it seem fun or seem like your toddler’s idea. Here are the top four tips for a pediatric dentist.
Brush Your Teeth With Them
Toddlers like to mimic their parents, so you should brush your teeth at the same time that your toddler does. The more you do with your toddler, the more they see that it’s just part of a regular routine. A pediatric dentist in Mill Creek isn’t going to tell you not to brush an extra time — because, yes, you’ll still want to brush your teeth before you go to bed if you eat or drink anything afterward — if it means getting your toddler to brush their teeth.
If you don’t want to brush your own teeth, then you could take your child’s favorite toy and brush their teeth with a separate toothbrush. This shows your child how important it is to care for those we love, and you can have a discussion about teeth brushing.
Talk About the “Sugar Bugs”
Your pediatric dentist in Mill Creek is likely to call the bacteria that sits on the teeth “sugar bugs.” It’s the easiest term to use to make it understandably to children. You can explain how everyone needs to do this at the end of the day, and why it’s so important to remove any sugar bugs that formed over night to brush the teeth at the start of the day.
Make Toothbrushing Rewarding and Fun
Get a new toothbrush for your toddler to use. There are some that light up, and there are some that will have fun patterns. You could even opt for a toothbrush holder that has a timer or something similar that encourages toddlers to brush.
Your pediatric dentist in Mill Creek will also encourage the use of rewards. Sticker charts are great, as toddlers will see that they are working toward something. They’re more likely to stick to the routine because they want the prize.
Give Your Toddler Choices
Your toddler wants autonomy, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You can encourage it while encouraging toothbrushing simply by giving them a choice of toothbrush or toothpaste. Have a couple of different options each night, so they can choose between Barbie and Cars, or between the red or the blue. The more choice they have, the more it seems like their idea.
Your pediatric dentist in Mill Creek understands the struggle of getting your toddler to brush their teeth. Create a fun environment and give them autonomy, and they’ll work with you more than you’re used to!
