How to Make Brushing Teeth for Kids Easier

Little ones have the sweetest smiles, but brushing their toothy (or toothless) grins doesn’t always leave them happy. Many toddlers run the other direction when you mention it’s time to brush their teeth. Or curious infants see their toothbrush as a teething toy and eat up their paste like a snack. But we all know that, no matter what, brushing our teeth is a must do.

In fact, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends starting to clean your baby’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water as early as birth. As soon as he or she pops the first tooth, you can use a “smear” of toothpaste for brushing teeth (your toddlers can try a “pea-sized” amount). Of course, make sure to visit your dentist when your baby’s first tooth breaks through—and no later than the first birthday—so they can provide the best oral care plan and options for your family.

Naturally, we want to help you promote healthy teeth and habits at home too. So, we’re excited to introduce Honest Toothpaste and Honest Kid’s Toothpaste. Our fluoride-free and vegan formulas have absolutely no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes Adults can enjoy refreshing minty cleaning, while little ones will open wide for the yummy and safe-on-their-tummy strawberry flavor.

If your kiddos still need a little coaxing to brush those pearly whites (although we're pretty sure they'll love our natural toothpaste), you can lend a helping hand with these great tips from the AAPD...

• Because kids often don’t have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively, the AAPD suggests that parents assist with brushing. Think of this as an opportunity to make it a game. In Baby Teeth Basics, dentist and former president of the AAPD Philip Hunke encourages letting children play with their toothbrush until they’re comfortable with it so they’ll hand it over to parents without a squabble. “Aim to spend a full minute of cleaning the inside and outside surface of her teeth and gums,” he says.

And our Honest Community...

• To help kids learn how to brush properly, do a game of "copycat" with them. Model good brushing and have them copy! – MamatogaJenny

• Make a game of it by breaking the mouth down into 4 quadrants. Count up to 5 in each and gradually increase how high you count. — SKupferschmidt

• @sesamestreet “Healthy teeth, healthy me” works wonders for us! My toddler brushes by herself then I help her brush. – jess_coffman

• My 2 year old loves it when I imitate the sound of my power brush. - LramosNJNY

This post was revised as of 11/23/2015.

What are your teeth-brushing tidbits? Let us know in the comments below!