(425) 348-8484The Tooth Fairy’s Top Tips to Help Your Toddler LOVE to Brush
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Kris A. Johnson, DDS on August 17, 2026
Hello, friends! I’m the Tooth Fairy, and Dr. Johnson and the team at Harbour Pointe Family Dentistry have graciously given me the opportunity to take over their Mukilteo dental blog today.
Getting a toddler to actually enjoy brushing their teeth can feel like an uphill battle, but a few small changes to how brush time works can turn nightly protests into something your little one looks forward to. I have gathered some of my favorite tips over the years, and I am excited to share them with your family today.
1. Make It Fun
Find fun sing-along videos and songs to play during brush time. Here’s one of my favorites: Sesame Street: Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me — Brushy Brush. A two-minute song does double duty, since it keeps your toddler entertained and helps them brush for the full recommended time without you having to count the seconds out loud.
2. Let Your Toddler Choose Their Own Toothbrush
The oral care aisles at local drug stores are packed full of princesses, superheroes, and your child’s favorite characters. Make it an event! Take your little one to the aisle and let them choose their very own toothbrush. This will make brush time even more personal, special, and fun, since it becomes something they picked rather than something that was picked for them.
3. There’s an App for That
Download these fun apps and before you know it, your kids might be reminding you that it’s time for them to brush their teeth:
Each one turns the standard two-minute timer into more of a game than a chore, which tends to hold a toddler’s attention far longer than a plain kitchen timer ever could.
4. Watch the Amount of Toothpaste, Not Just the Brushing
Getting your toddler excited to brush is only half the equation. According to the American Dental Association, children under age three should use a fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice, while children ages three to six can move up to a pea-sized amount. Supervising brush time, rather than handing your toddler the tube and walking away, keeps the amount in check and makes sure they are actually reaching every tooth.
5. Download a Free Tooth Fairy Receipt
Dr. Johnson and the Mukilteo dental team at Harbour Pointe Family Dentistry are happy to share a free downloadable Tooth Fairy receipt. Download it here. It is a fun way to celebrate the moment a tooth finally makes its way to me, and kids love having something official to show off the next morning.
Building a Routine That Lasts
It’s never too early to help your kids develop good hygiene habits, which will set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. If your toddler is approaching their next dental milestone, our guide on important dental milestones walks through what to expect at each stage, and if a first visit is still ahead of you, our post on what to expect at your child’s first dental exam can help you both feel ready.
I’d like to thank Dr. Johnson and the team for letting me take over the blog for the day. If your family is due for a checkup, or your toddler is overdue for their first dental visit, reach out through the contact page to get the whole family scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helping Toddlers Love to Brush
Why does my toddler resist brushing their teeth?
Toddlers often resist brushing because it feels like something being done to them rather than something they are part of. Letting them choose their toothbrush, pick a song, or use a brushing app tends to turn resistance into participation.
How much toothpaste should a toddler use?
Children under age three should use a fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. Once a child reliably spits rather than swallows, usually around age three, a pea-sized amount is appropriate.
How long should a toddler brush their teeth?
Two minutes, twice a day, is the standard recommendation. A song or a timer-based app makes that stretch of time feel much shorter for a toddler than counting seconds out loud.
Should I supervise my toddler’s brushing?
Yes. Supervising brush time until your child can reliably spit and reach every tooth on their own helps control the amount of toothpaste used and makes sure no spots get missed.
When is National Tooth Fairy Day?
National Tooth Fairy Day falls on February 28th, right in the middle of Children’s Dental Health Month, making it a fun excuse to talk with your kids about why brushing matters.
About the Author
Family & Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Johnson leads the team at Harbour Pointe Family Dentistry, providing family and cosmetic dental care to patients throughout Mukilteo and the greater Puget Sound area.
