You can also let your child pretend to brush their toy's teeth or your own teeth. If you have an older child who has passed this phase and is cooperative when your are brushing their teeth, you can use them as a model, brush their teeth first in front of the little one and give praises afterwards, your child will be willing to go next. Consistency is key, make tooth-brushing a part of their daily bathing routine in the morning and part of their bedtime routine at night.Tell-Show-Do is a method that has been proven to work with children over the years so Mums, tell them why it's important, show them by example and just do it!Most Mums who have been through this phase will tell you that one day the struggle just ended and tooth-brushing became easier so there is hope!

Brush your teeth in front of your child and make it look like you are enjoying it! Keep your child's toothbrush within reach when you do this, it doesn't have to have toothpaste on it. Children this age like to copy, once your child has had fun copying you, then you can say 'Mummy's turn' and put a smear of toothpaste on the brush and gently talk your child through the process as you brush their teeth and explain why you are doing it- to have clean healthy teeth.A nice looking age appropriate toothbrush will also be a good incentive. Please be careful with flavored toothpastes so your child doesn't get into the dangerous habit of licking toothpaste because it smells so nice.

Children at this age are motivated by fun and reward so you can incorporate this into tooth-brushing time.Make it fun, play music or sing a song like "This is the way we brush our teeth, incorporate your child's name. Give praises at the end of the activity. You can create a tooth-brushing chart where you put a smiley face, a tick or a sticker when you finish brushing your child's teeth.