Q. My kid hates brushing teeth with a burning passion, and nothing I do seems to work. Do you have any tips?
A. It is so common for patients to say that their toddler HATES brushing teeth. They are at a stage where they feel it important to assert their independence, and it seems like their favourite word is “NO.” If they’re able to create a routine around brushing teeth, much like a bedtime routine, the process will gradually become easier, and the child will get used to the the routine and expect it nightly.
Having a child watch their parents brush and floss is a great start, as they love to imitate their parents. If they want to do everything themselves, let them brush first, then tell them it’s Mom’s or Dad’s turn to brush for them to ensure there are no “bugs” left hiding on their teeth. It is also helpful to go to the drugstore with your child and let them pick out their own fun kids’ toothbrush, and try out some of the kids’ toothpastes – many toothpastes come in fun colours and have sparkles in them that kids love.
Just a note about toothpaste – toothpaste containing fluoride should be used as soon as teeth erupt, which can be as young as 6 months old. Use a tiny smear pushed into the bristles of the toothbrush. If the child is unable to spit after brushing, use a cloth to wipe out the excess, but even if the child swallows the tiny smear of toothpaste, it will not be harmful to them.
Finally, if you still aren’t having any luck, bring your child to see your family dentist. Children often behave much better in a different environment with new faces around. When parents bring their child in for their first visit, I will sing the child a song, brush and floss their teeth, and show the parents how to position their child in the “knee-to-knee” position. Many parents are surprised at how much I can get done with their child during that first visit.
One more tip: If your child absolutely will not cooperate, and is too big and strong to control in the knee-to-knee position, try brushing your child’s teeth while they are in the high chair for feeding. Fasten the straps snugly over their chest, then brush away!
Got any more questions? Fire away in the comments or just come in and ask Dr. Mak and Dr. Iwagami directly!
