Use just a smear: Most young children don’t like toothpastes. For infants use a soft cloth or xyl…

Use just a smear: Most young children don’t like toothpastes. For infants use a soft cloth or xylitol wipes. Graduate to using a toothbrush and apply paste just about the amount of the size of a rice grain for children 2 years and younger or moisten your brush with mouthwash. Be a role model: Just like we often see boys imitating their father’s clothes or girls trying on make up like their mother, if parents seen to be brushing two times a day, the child will form a routine soon. Children are highly influenced by their parent’s behaviour, so make exaggerated actions and observe your teeth in the mirror giving compliments. Help in the last leg: Toddlers are learning independence and are stubborn to want to brush on their own although they aren’t able to do a thorough job, but parents must finish up at the end. Last resort: If you tried everything and your child still won’t cooperate or, for a baby less than 2 years or if you see early signs of decay, mild restraint while brushing is the last resort!