If your 3-year-old squeals and squirms when you try to get a toothbrush into her mouth, she's most likely protesting what is -- in her eyes -- an extremely unpleasant experience. It's not uncommon for young children to balk when it's time to brush, but skipping it when she has a fit puts her dental health at serious risk. The best way to get her to let you brush her teeth is to distract her with some silliness and show her how it's done.
All About Baby Teeth
Before an infant begins teething, dental care consists of wiping the gums with a wet cloth. By 6 months old, an infant is typically cutting her first tooth; by the time she's a year old, she should be ready for her fist dentist visit. At 3 your child probably has all 20 of her primary teeth. Caring for these temporary baby teeth is just as important as it is to care for grown-up teeth, as early preventive care contributes to her overall dental health as she grows.
Ways to Make Brushing Fun
Providing a kid-friendly toothbrush in a bright color and toothpaste with fun flavors often goes a long way in getting a resistant child interested in brushing. If a particular type of toothpaste doesn't appeal, try another. You might also try turning the experience into a game to distract your toddler. Play as if you're chasing something silly around her mouth as you brush or make funny noises when you ask her to open or close her mouth. Singing a short song attracts her attention and lasts long enough to get the job done right, and inviting a favorite stuffed animal to join you at the bathroom sink makes her feel at ease. Child psychologist Penelope Leach recommends giving names to all of the teeth in your toddler's mouth and letting her enjoy the part of brushing she probably enjoys: spitting.
What Else You Can Do
Let your little one watch while you brush your teeth -- your toddler learns by mimicking your actions, and brushing might catch on once she sees you enjoying it. Dr. Laura Markham even suggests letting your child brush your teeth for you. Children often relax when you temporarily reverse the power dynamic during a battle. Though she won't do a thorough job, you could also let her try her hand at brushing her own teeth to give her a sense of control, then finish the job for her.
When to See the Dentist
It's possible your son is complaining when you brush his teeth because he feels discomfort due to a dental problem. Even if everything seems okay, it's still important to schedule an extensive dental check-up for your 3-year-old toddler. Dental problems, such as tooth decay, gingivitis or malocclusion due to thumb sucking, can develop in young children and affect how adult teeth develop down the road. Schedule an appointment and consult with a pediatric dentist.
References
- Baby Center: Tooth Care for Toddlers
- Baby Center: How Can I Get My 2-Year-Old to Cooperate When I Brush Her Teeth?; Penelope Leach
- Kids Health: Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy
- New Parent; Toddler Dental Care; Penny McGee Kopf, RDH, BS
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Dental Care for Your Baby
- Aha! Parenting; How to Get Toddler to Brush Teeth; Dr. Laura Markham
