Dear Moms

Dear Frustrated Mom,

You have my sympathy. Many parents imagine toothbrushing as a sweet bedtime ritual, only to discover that their toddler sees it as a daily battle.

The good news is that this resistance is common. Toddlers are learning independence and often choose routines like toothbrushing to assert control.

Try making brushing more engaging. Let your child pick a toothbrush, sing a favorite song, brush a stuffed animal’s teeth first, or take a turn before you finish the job. Brushing together can also help make it feel like a family activity rather than a chore.

Even so, oral hygiene is not optional. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears (American Dental Association). Young children need parental help or supervision because they generally cannot brush effectively on their own (ADA).

If your toddler still resists, stay calm and consistent. Avoid turning brushing into a power struggle, but don’t give up on the routine. Most children eventually accept it when they realize it is part of everyday life.

For now, celebrate small victories. Parenting a toddler often means measuring progress in inches rather than miles.