We are often asked how best to brush toddlers teeth. We know it can be a struggle, but it is important to get children into a habit of toothbrushing as early as possible. Often children resist, which can then turn into a battle of wills with resultant tantrums (for parent or child!) Try letting your child gain a little control in the process by allowing them to put the toothpaste on the brush - the size of a pea is enough - or letting them brush first, then you finish off.

Don't worry if it is a quite cursory brush or your child just chews the brush - normally this is fine and with time, more thorough cleaning will be possible. Baby teeth are usually quite self-cleansing and it is rare to get tartar. If the battle is getting you down, try changing the time or place when you brush, sing their favourite songs when you are brushing…. or one mother suggested to us buy a crocodile Pecker bird (joke!)

If your child prefers an electric toothbrush, that's absolutely fine.

As your child gets older, toothbrushing will improve until they get to their teens when you start the battle again.....