12/16/2025
Cleaning your child's teeth doesn’t have to be a nightly tug-of-war. We know toddlers love to test boundaries, and brushing can be one of the biggest challenges! But with a little creativity and consistency, you can turn brush time into a moment you both enjoy.
Here are 4 fun, fuss-free ways to make brushing feel less like a chore and more like an adventure:
🎵 Make it musical: Sing a 2-minute song together (like the ABCs twice or your child’s favorite nursery rhyme).
📱 Use a brushing timer or app: Turn on a brushing app with music and animations to keep them engaged! Visuals and timers help kids understand how long to brush, and they love “beating the clock.”
🪥 Let them choose their tools: Giving your child the power to pick their toothbrush—especially one shaped like a dinosaur or superhero—makes them more excited to use it.
🧼 Use the right amount of toothpaste: For toddlers under 3, a rice-sized smear of toothpaste is perfect. Kids over 3? Go with a pea-sized amount. Keep it fun and safe!
Establish brushing as a fun family ritual, something they look forward to, not dread. You can brush together, turn it into a game, or reward consistency with a sticker chart. Remember, the goal isn’t just clean teeth, it’s building habits that stick for life. With some patience and playfulness, brushing battles can become bonding moments. 💙