Best Oral Care Routine for Healthy Toddler Teeth
Let’s be honest—brushing a toddler’s teeth isn’t always the highlight of the day. Between the wiggling, the protesting, and the toothbrush "sword fights," it can feel more like a wrestling match than a routine. But starting good oral hygiene early is so important, and the good news is: with the right tools (and a little creativity), it can become something you and your toddler easily incorporate into the daily routine.
MaryRuth Organics' Infant & Toddler Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops have been a wonderful addition to our routine. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in aiding the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for developing strong teeth and bones.
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RiseWell Kids Mineral Toothpaste is a fluoride-free toothpaste designed for children, utilizing hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring mineral that makes up tooth enamel—to strengthen and remineralize teeth. It's available in a cake batter flavor, appealing to young taste buds, and is marketed as 100% safe to swallow, addressing concerns for parents of toddlers still mastering the art of spitting.
We’ve been using the BOKA Tongue Cleaner as it helps remove bacteria and food particles that can contribute to plaque buildup, supporting overall oral health.
Regular tongue cleaning can also help reduce bad breath by eliminating odor-causing bacteria.
Simple Toddler Brushing Routine
1. We make it part of the daily rhythm.
Morning and night, no exceptions. Brushing happens after breakfast and right before books at bedtime—it’s just what we do.
2. We brush with them.
Modeling matters! We brush our teeth side-by-side so they see it’s something everyone does, not just a “toddler task.”
3. We give them a turn, then take a turn.
They brush first, then we go in and do the “grown-up check.” It gives them a sense of independence and makes sure their teeth are actually clean.
4. We make it fun.
Silly songs, mirror faces, stuffed animals pretending to brush—it doesn’t need to be fancy, just playful.
5. We celebrate effort.
We keep it positive, focusing on trying instead of perfection. A high five and a “Yay, sparkly teeth!” go a long way.
Early oral health sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits. Starting young helps toddlers get comfortable with brushing, prevents cavities before they start, and builds the confidence to care for their own health as they grow. Plus, regular brushing makes dental visits way less scary—another big win!
