If your toddler is like most, oral brushing is not a priority on their to-do list throughout the day. In fact you may even have to deal with complaints or tantrums from time to time when you encourage a quick brush before bed. But you don't have to let brushing time become a battle – here are four ways to get your toddler to brush their teeth without any complaints:

Do a Dance

A great way to get your toddler excited about brushing their teeth is to have a little dance party in the bathroom while brushing together. Put on your little one's favorite song, or simply turn the radio on and come up with a short dance routine that marks the occasion of taking care of your teeth together. Your toddler will enjoy the game while completing their task, and appreciate the time you're able to spend some time practicing healthy habits together.

Create a Reward System

Every time your child brushes their teeth, put a small star on a calendar that corresponds to the day of brushing. Once your little one racks up a preset number of stars, you can give them a small reward such as a coloring book or a trip to the movies. This will give your child something to work toward while they learn good oral care habits that they can use as they grow into adulthood. Hang the calendar in a place where your child can easily see it, like in the bathroom right over the counter.

Keep Communication Open

Getting your child interested in the health reasons for good oral hygiene will help motivate them to take care of their teeth as they grow in, and provide them with the insight they need to understand what could happen to their teeth if they aren't properly taken care of. After all, kids don't enjoy getting cavities filled or having to have a tooth pulled due to extensive decay.

Borrow children's book from the library that will help you visually explain oral care and the repercussions of neglecting teeth. You can also get some literature from your little one's dentist that is designed to explain things simply so young children can understand the information.

With these tips and tricks on your side, you should find that making time to brush with your toddler is a pleasant experience no matter what time of day it is.

To learn more, contact a dentist like Stephen P. Cary, DMD.