8 Easy Ways to Get Kids to Brush Right

Getting young children to brush their teeth can feel like a daily battle. Whether it’s the protests, the running away, or the dramatic “but I did it yesterday!” most parents know that proper dental hygiene doesn’t come naturally to little ones. Yet, developing healthy brushing habits early is essential for preventing cavities, gum disease, and future dental anxiety.

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The good news? With patience, creativity, and a few smart strategies, you can turn toothbrushing from a struggle into a fun, daily routine.

Here are 8 tried-and-tested tips to help get your little kids to brush their teeth properly and maybe even enjoy it!

1. Start Early and Stay Consistent

It’s never too early to start caring for your child’s oral health. The American Dental Association recommends cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth even before the first tooth comes in. Once those pearly whites appear, it’s time to begin brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice for children under three).

Starting early helps:

• Get your child used to the routine.
• Prevent dental fear down the road.
• Instil the message that oral hygiene is part of everyday life, just like bathing or eating.

Even if your toddler resists at first, stay consistent. Routine builds comfort.

2. Make It a Game

Toothbrushing doesn’t have to be a chore; in fact, it shouldn’t be! Little kids are more likely to cooperate when something feels fun and engaging.

Try turning toothbrushing into a game:

• Pretend to “chase sugar bugs” hiding in their mouth.
• Let your child brush your teeth first, then take turns.
• Use a toothbrushing chart with stickers as rewards.
• Race a timer or sandglass to beat the “plaque monsters.”

The sillier and more interactive it is, the more likely they’ll play along and brush longer.

3. Let Them Choose Their Tools

Empower your child by letting them pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste. Whether it’s a bright pink brush with sparkles or a toothpaste tube with their favourite cartoon character, giving them ownership of the process helps encourage cooperation.

Look for:

• Child-size brushes with soft bristles.
• Fluoride toothpaste in fun, kid-friendly flavours (but avoid ones that taste too much like candy to prevent swallowing).
• Electric toothbrushes made for kids these often come with lights, music, or timers to make brushing more exciting.

When they feel like the brushing gear is theirs, they’re more likely to use it.

4. Brush Together

Young kids learn by watching and mimicking adults, so brushing your teeth alongside them is a powerful tool. Not only does it model good behaviour, but it also shows them that this is something everyone does, not just kids being forced into something unpleasant.

Benefits of brushing together:

• Reinforces routine.
• Helps your child copy the right technique.
• Makes brushing feel like a family activity rather than a punishment.

Try facing a mirror together and make goofy faces while brushing. Your enthusiasm will be contagious.

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5. Use Music and Videos

Music and media can transform brushing time from boring to dance-party fun. There are plenty of free songs, apps, and videos created specifically to help kids brush for the recommended two minutes.

Try:

• The “Brush Your Teeth” song by Raffi.
• Two-minute videos on YouTube from brands like Cocomelon or Elmo’s Brushy Brush Song.
• Free apps that offer brushing timers, rewards, or games (like Brush DJ or Disney Magic Timer).

A favourite song or video can keep your child distracted and engaged while ensuring they brush long enough.

6. Offer Praise, Not Pressure

Nobody likes to be nagged, especially not toddlers. Instead of threatening or scolding your child for skipping or rushing through brushing, try offering positive reinforcement.

Some ideas:

• Use phrases like, “Wow, look how sparkly your teeth are now!”
• Create a simple reward chart (five stickers = a small prize).
• Celebrate little victories, even if they just let you help without a fuss.

Positive attention builds confidence and motivation. Over time, good brushing habits will become second nature.

7. Teach Proper Technique in Simple Steps

Little kids often don’t know how to brush their teeth effectively, and expecting them to do it perfectly on their own is unrealistic. Instead, teach them the basics in simple, age-appropriate steps — and offer a helping hand.

Try this kid-friendly breakdown:

• Brush the front, back, and top of each tooth.
• Use gentle circles, not hard scrubbing.
• Don’t forget the gums and tongue.
• Spit, don’t swallow (though swallowing a small amount of toothpaste occasionally isn’t harmful).

Until your child is around 7 or 8 years old, you’ll still need to supervise and assist to make sure they’re doing a thorough job.

8. Turn It Into a Routine (And Stick to It)

Kids thrive on structure. By making toothbrushing part of their morning and bedtime routine, it becomes a natural, expected part of the day, not a negotiation.

Some helpful habits:

• Always brush at the same time after breakfast and before bed.
• Pair it with another routine (bath time, bedtime story) to create a rhythm.
• Avoid skipping, even on holidays or busy days, consistency builds long-term habits.

The more regular brushing becomes, the less pushback you’ll get. Over time, your child will stop resisting and start brushing automatically, possibly even reminding you to do it!

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When to See a Dentist

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to their first dental visit by age 1, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early checkups help catch issues before they become problems and also get your child used to the dental environment.

Signs you should schedule a visit:

• Yellow or brown spots on teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Reluctance to chew or mouth pain

Regular cleanings and exams, along with great brushing at home, help ensure a healthy smile for life.

Final Thoughts: 

Teaching little kids to brush their teeth properly isn’t about achieving perfection from day one; it’s about building consistency, offering gentle encouragement, and helping them develop a lifelong relationship with good oral hygiene. At this age, the goal is not to have a perfect two-minute brushing technique, but to make brushing a natural part of their daily routine. It takes time, repetition, and a healthy dose of patience, especially when you’re dealing with toddler moods, distractions, and resistance.

Yes, it might get messy, with toothpaste on the counter, brushes on the floor, and giggles when they spit water everywhere. But that mess is part of the learning process. Every time you guide your child through brushing, you’re giving them tools for independence, confidence, and self-care. Eventually, what once took effort will become second nature to them. So take a deep breath, don’t stress the small setbacks, and keep the atmosphere positive. You’re not just cleaning teeth, you’re shaping healthy habits and protecting that little smile for life.