How I Got My 1-Year-Old to Love Brushing Her Teeth (No Wrestling Required)

Brushing a toddler’s teeth can feel like trying to bathe a cat—squirmy, chaotic, and occasionally loud. But somehow, at just one year old, my daughter loves brushing her teeth. I wouldn’t call it a miracle, but I will say this: the secret was making it her idea. Around this age, toddlers are naturally wired to imitate what they see. Developmentally, 1-year-olds thrive on mimicking adults—they learn through observation and repetition, so I used that to my advantage. Every time it’s time to brush, I brush my teeth with her. We stand side by side at the sink, she has her baby electric toothbrush (just like mine!), and we do it together. Sometimes she even insists on brushing my teeth—so I hand her my toothbrush and let her go for it. Because why not?

This tiny bit of control and inclusion makes a world of difference. I always start by brushing her teeth for her—because let’s be real, at this age, their technique is 90% chewing and 10% waving the brush around like a wand. But once I’ve given her teeth a solid cleaning, I pass her the brush and let her “finish the job.” She feels so proud and grown-up, and I get a chance to teach her gentle brushing motions without turning it into a battle.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends brushing as soon as that first tooth appears, and especially by age one. Baby teeth might be tiny, but they’re crucial for speech, chewing, and making space for adult teeth. Plus, bacteria can build up fast on those sweet little gums and teeth—so getting into the habit early matters. And while the brushing itself is important, building a positive association is just as valuable. For us, turning it into a shared ritual instead of a dreaded chore has made all the difference.

So if you’re dreading the post-dinner brush-a-thon, try brushing your own teeth right alongside your little one. Get them their own “big kid” toothbrush, hand them yours occasionally, and let them feel like they’re in on something special. Who knows? You might even get your own teeth brushed in the process.

You can shop the electric toothbrush we use here. She loves it. It doesn't break the bank. And if you have Amazon Prime you can get it in just a few days. :)