But brushing your toddler’s teeth still feels like wrestling a crocodile with a toothbrush.
Practical Tips and Tools For Brushing And Flossing
Whether your little one clamps their mouth shut, gags at the toothbrush, refuses to sit still, or flat-out runs away, this guide was made for you.
Have children aged 1-5 years
Don't want brushing to be a fight every single day
Suspect there's more going on than just "bad behaviour"
Would rather have a plan than keep throwing spaghetti at the wall
Care about the bigger picture, not just clean teeth
🦷 Brushing + flossing basics
What to do, when to start, and how much toothpaste to use.
🪥 Product recommendations
From properly sized brushes to safe toothpastes.
🎉 Games + fun strategies
Field-tested with my own strong-willed toddler.
🧐 Troubleshooting tips
A deep dive into why some kids hate brushing (including mouth breathing, nervous system and tongue ties).
🎦 Video demonstrations
For the techniques that are easier to show you than describe.
Have we met?
I’m an AHPRA registered Oral Health Therapist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist with over 15 years experience in the dental world...
And mother to a toddler who did not care that I help other kids brush their teeth for a living.
I wrote this guide after realising that even with all my professional experience, what I really needed was a realistic, parent-friendly resource to help me get through the toddler toothbrushing chaos. And based on the daily conversations I have with other toddler parents, everyone else needs this too.
It depends what 'everything' means. If you've mostly tried tricks and games, this goes a layer deeper, into why brushing is hard for your child in the first place.
No. I share clear recommendations for brushes, floss, and toothpaste so you know exactly what to look for, but you won’t need to buy a cupboard full of extras.
Oral Hygiene For Toddlers is designed with toddlers aged 1–5 in mind, but many of the strategies can be adapted for older kids too. The focus is on creating confident routines and understanding the “why” behind brushing challenges, which often applies well beyond toddlerhood.
No, this guide helps you understand what you're noticing and get clearer before that appointment. If it points to something like a tongue tie or mouth breathing, the troubleshooting section tells you what kind of provider to see next (a dental professional, speech pathologist, or GP) depending on what's happening for your child.
Oral Hygiene for Toddlers helps you lay the foundation for your child’s long-term dental health and oral function.