My daughter was such an easy toddler. I didn’t realize it until I now have a very unruly toddler. My patience is tested daily and I daily fail at being a patient parent. Nothing comes easy with this Little Man – including brushing his teeth. To be honest, when we force him he sometimes just cries. But when he cries with his mouth wide open, we don’t mind, because then we can brush all his teeth more easily. Terrible, right?
We have talked to the dental hygienist and dentist and we are trying different tips to keep his toddler teeth clean. I am hoping things get easier as he gets older. Praying in fact. These are the six things we’ve done and that have worked. Sometimes.
Tips to Brush Toddler Teeth
Distraction – at bedtime when he is sleepy and watching Frozen for the 100th time, brushing his teeth without him “realizing” it has been somewhat effective.
Mimicking – we use his sister as a model on how to brush teeth. We exaggerate all the mouth movements. He loves copying her, so this works at least 30% of the time.
Play – making it into a game, using his favorite toys has worked a few times as well. Stuffed animals, cars, dolls – they all take turns “brushing their teeth”, then it is my Little Man’s turn.
Giving Independence – we let him brush first since he wants to do it “all by myself” and then we tell him it’s our turn to do it for him.
Fun – giving him a special toothbrush and special toothpaste makes brushing his teeth easier. Nuby offers a great kids toothbrush and toothpaste combo {see more below}.
Get a stool – our Little Man loves standing at his stool and looking in the mirror to brush his teeth. If I turn the water on for a bit, he’ll stay even longer and brush his own teeth. Though the job he does isn’t very good. I still have to use other tips to brush after him.
What has worked with you kids?
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Disclosure: I was sent the above product as a Nuby Mommy Blogger. All opinions are mine.
A few of these would be nice for my grandson right now from the Nuby site; Clik it Soft Spout Insulated Cups. I like the one with the spaceship on it-
Your son sure is a cutie pie LaVonne, what a sweetheart he must be-