Ways to Make Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth Fun

To keep your child's teeth and gums healthy, it's important to brush twice a day. If you're trying to figure out how to get your baby to happily brush their teeth, especially if they're not a fan, check out these tips to make the process smoother and more fun for both of you.

Baby Teeth Brushing Games and Tips

Add a fun angle to brushing those baby teeth to help avoid tears and tantrums.If you're uncertain how to get your baby to like brushing their teeth, here are a few game ideas that may help:

• Set a lighthearted mood. Play peekaboo while brushing teeth to lighten the mood for all involved, particularly for babies and younger toddlers.

• Brush to the beat. Sing a favorite song or play some music on your phone and encourage “crazy brushing” until the music ends. Pick a song that's about two minutes long, and brush for the entire length of the song. Use your toothbrush as a microphone for added laughs.

• Race the clock. Set a timer or your phone's stopwatch, and make it a race against the clock to brush until the “finish line. ” If they brush until the buzzer goes off, they win a small reward like a sticker or an extra story at bedtime.

• Involve a toy. Place your child's favorite cuddly toy up near the sink and “brush” the toy's teeth while your little one brushes theirs. Tell them that the toy doesn't want to brush their teeth alone.

• Let them practice. Let your child practice brushing teeth on their favorite cuddly toy or on you. This might seem like a hassle, but it can teach them the motions that they'll want to repeat on themselves later.

• Make them feel like a grown-up. Another tactic on how to get your baby to like brushing their teeth is to brush your teeth at the same place and time as them. Children love to copy adults, so when they can do something “grown-up” that mom or dad also does, they'll be eager to jump in as well. Set a great example by brushing your teeth thoroughly, including brushing your tongue and very back teeth. Remember to look enthusiastic about it, and show them your beautifully clean teeth at the end.

• Give them some responsibility. Your toddler might be ready to try “big kid” stuff like picking up their cup, holding the toothbrush, or squeezing the toothpaste tube. Let them do their part, even if it means some spills. This will give them the feeling of independence and a sense of control over what they might see as a boring chore.

• Make the toothbrush part of the game. Your little one may enjoy a toothbrush that lights up with a bright smiley face after two minutes of brushing, or one that plays music for a few minutes so they know to keep going until the music stops.

• Reward good brushing. Your toddler may respond to a tooth-brushing rewards chart. Kids love nothing better than earning rewards for good behavior, and stickers for a job well done can be a positive way of giving encouragement. You might try a system where each tooth-brushing sticker earned means an extra book at bedtime. For continued success, you can offer a bigger reward, like a toy they've been asking for.

For even more guidance, check out this short video:

Accessories to Make Baby and Toddler Dental Care More Fun

Once you start the teaching process, set up a toothbrush station in your bathroom with the following fun accessories to help get your baby or toddler to like brushing their teeth:

• Baby toothbrush: Pick a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles that has a design your little one will love, like a superhero, princess, or animal. Choose one in their favorite color or a fun shape, such as a dinosaur or dolphin. Take your toddler shopping and let them pick their favorite from age-appropriate options.

• Baby toothpaste: For children under 3, use a tiny smear of fluoridated toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Choose a toothpaste with colorful designs on the tube, or one that comes in a fun color or has sparkles. Some toothpastes even come out in a star shape, which kids find exciting. If your child isn’t a fan of regular flavors, there are plenty of flavored options available. Keep the toothpaste out of reach between brushings to prevent your child from eating it.

• Special toothbrush holder: This cup can hold your child's toothpaste and brush. Choose something bright and colorful, perhaps a cup that's decorated with a favorite cartoon character.

• Stepstool: Most sinks are too high for small children, and a stepstool will help them reach the sink comfortably and safely. Remember to always supervise when they're brushing.

• Mug for rinsing: If the mug has an appealing color or design, your toddler might look forward to using it.

• Timer: Set the timer for two minutes, and encourage your child to keep brushing until the buzzer goes off.

For even more tips, read these frequently asked questions on taking care of your baby's dental hygiene at home.

There's a lot to think about in terms of your baby's development, but a lifetime of healthy dental hygiene habits starts by brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they come out. If you're curious how to get your baby to brush their teeth, start by teaching them to brush their baby teeth independently. Make sure they have regular dental checkups. Making tooth brushing fun and enjoyable from an early age will help these healthy habits stick.