Your child's first teeth will appear by the time they're a year old, and by the time they're two or three, they should have a full mouthful of baby teeth. To ensure that these teeth stay healthy—and to set your child up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene—brushing is essential. However, small children may not enjoy brushing their teeth. Here are three tips for training your toddler to brush their teeth.

Be a Good Role Model

Children imitate their parents, so if your child sees that you're brushing your teeth each morning and evening, they'll want to be like you. On the other hand, if they see that you're not brushing as often as you should, they won't think that brushing is important.

If you have trouble remembering to brush your teeth, you're not alone, so don't feel bad. More than 30% of Americans don't brush their teeth twice a day, and their children may pick up on this habit. Consider setting an alarm on your phone or leaving sticky notes on your bathroom mirror to remind yourself to brush each morning and evening.

Use a Brushing Chart

Young children love stickers, and that's why a brushing chart is a great way to make your child want to brush their teeth. After your child brushes their teeth in the morning, put a sticker on the chart. In the evening, they'll get another sticker as long as they brush their teeth.

You can get a brushing chart from your child's dentist. Free charts can also be easily found online. Allow your child to select the stickers that they'll receive as a reward. Letting them choose the stickers ensures that they'll be motivated to collect them. Once the chart is full, display it on your fridge so that the whole family sees what a great tooth-brusher your toddler is!

Get a Children's Toothpaste

You may like the minty-fresh taste of adult toothpaste, but your young child may hate the strong flavor. If your child doesn't like mint, never fear, because many more exciting flavors are available. Children's toothpastes are available in child-friendly flavors like bubble gum, watermelon, strawberry, and even chocolate.

Children's toothpastes may also be branded with a popular cartoon character that your child enjoys. Seeing their favorite cartoon character's face on their toothpaste tube can help get them a bit more excited about their daily routine.

Tooth-brushing is important, even for toddlers. Try these three tips to help train your child to brush their teeth. For more information, consult a professional such as Lucky Kids Dental. 

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