How To Get Toddler To Clean Teeth

What to Do When Your Toddler Resists Brushing His Teeth

Reviewed on January 17, 2019

Is your tot turned off by the toothbrush? Here's how to respond when she balks at having her teeth cleaned.

At the first sight of a toothbrush, your child clamps down and refuses to let you near her (tiny) pearly whites. There are a few simple ways you can encourage your tot to scrub her pearly whites.

Why toddlers resist tooth-brushing

Like many other conflicts at this stage (what to eat, what to wear, when to sleep), this latest act of rebellion springs from a young child's need for control and autonomy. He's letting you know it's his mouth.

What you need to know

Here's another battle worth waging, since baby teeth need to be protected from cavities as much as permanent teeth. It may take a bit of tricky maneuvering and compromise, but getting your toddler used to brushing his own teeth regularly will set the foundation for healthy dental habits for life (sounds corny, but it's true!).

How to encourage your toddler to brush her teeth

Seek reinforcement. At your next visit, ask your child's doctor or dentist to explain why brushing is so important. Then, the next time your little darling zips her lips, remind her of what the "expert" said.
Get her involved. Have her pick out two or three colorful child-size toothbrushes at the drugstore. (Or she might dig a cool battery-powered model that features a favorite character. Who can resist a vibrating Dora the Explorer?) You can also let her choose the flavor of fluoride toothpaste she likes (berry? bubblegum?), as long as it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Let him take the lead. Instead of trying to force your way into his mouth, let your child hold the toothbrush and give it a go. Just supervise how much toothpaste actually goes on the brush: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using only a small amount (a rice-sized dollop for kids under 3 and pea-sized one for kids from 3 to 6), since too much fluoride daily can lead to permanent tooth stains. Yes, your toddler's technique will leave a lot to be desired, but a little practice and a lot of praise go a long way. (Kids don't really get proficient at brushing their teeth until about age 7 or 8.) She can also practice on a doll or stuffed animal (sans toothpaste, please) or even "brush" your teeth first. When she's done, ask her if you can do a final "check" of your own with her toothbrush — and finish up the job.
Don't fight over toothpaste. If your tot doesn't take to toothpaste, just use plain water, suggests the AAP: The actual act of brushing itself is more important than what's on the brush.
Go for the giggles. Make brushing less of a downer by "accidentally" brushing her nose ("oops!") with water, and singing a song with your mouths full of toothpaste foam. (Come on, you know you want to.)

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

What to Expect the Second Year, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.

American Dental Association, Seal Product Shopping List, 2019.

American Academy of Pediatrics, Baby Tooth Care, 2019.

National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education, Oral Health in Child Care and Early Education,2019.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Children's Oral Health, November 2014.

American Dental Association, Healthy Habits, 2019.

Nemours, Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy, 2019.

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