When Your Child Won't Brush

• Set a positive tone by making it interesting and enjoyable. Be patient and relaxed.
• Avoid brushing your child’s teeth when they are tired or hungry. It will be harder for them tocooperate.
• Have your child sit or lie comfortably in your lap, on the floor, on the change table, or wherever it is convenient.
• Singing to your child as you brush their teeth can help distract them and make it fun. Download a few song ideas, or make up your own!
• Make a game of it. Play “Guess what I see on your teeth?” and make up a story as you brush.
• Use your baby finger to gently pull out the corner of your child’s mouth to see the back teeth while brushing them.
• Make sure you can see into your child’s mouth as you brush. Support their chin or neck gently, and use a light touch with the toothbrush.
• Use a soft baby toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth comes in. As your child gets older and back teeth appear, gradually increase fluoride toothpaste to a
  pea-sized amount.
• Allow your child to spit out often during brushing. Children have lots of saliva and need to be given frequent breaks so they don’t feel like they are choking.
• Routine is important. Pick times for daily toothbrushing that work well for both you and your child. Make it a part of your child’s daily routine.
• Be a good role model. Make sure your child sees you brush and floss your own teeth daily.

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