How to get your 1 year old to brush their teeth?

Danielle - posted on 12/04/2009

I also give the lil ones their brushes in the tub. And every morning we do it together so they see me and know what to do when they have them in the tub. Also it feels good on their gums if they have teeth cutting through!

Kathryn - posted on 12/04/2009

I sing to Callie too...the "This is the way we brush our teeth...." song...make it fun & also let her hold it/play with it in the bath tub so she doesn't associate it with something I "make" her do.......also do it 2-3 times a day....consistency! consistency! These have worked for me....

Carly - posted on 12/04/2009

I gave my 13 month old his own toothbrush when he got his 4th tooth at about 10 months old. I bring him into the bathroom with me when im brushing mine and i give him his and he like to copy me, i think it makes him feel like a big boy :)

Ririn - posted on 12/03/2009

It used to be hard to ask my LO to open her mouth to brush her teeth. But then, I brushed my teeth with her by my side and let her watch me while i was doing it..after that, she'd open her mouth wide and let me brush her teeth. now, brushing the teeth is not a problem anymore. I guess she like to copy whatever we do..

Emma - posted on 12/02/2009

I was told that this age is a struggle to get them to clean their teeth. My 13 onth old has 7 teeth now and I worry but I was told that the toothpaste fluoride should still be doing an OK job if used. I am not pushing my daughter too much so that she doesnt become too resistant later on.

Jamie - posted on 12/02/2009

both of my kids didn't want to brush their teeth but when I gave the the tooth brush in the bath they liked sticking the tooth brush under the faucet and brushing them !

Kylie - posted on 12/02/2009

Thanks very much ladies, this is helpful, I will try and make it a bit more fun for her!

Kylie - posted on 12/01/2009

We sing that "You Brush Your Teeth" song from playschool with my son, and he loves to brush his teeth.

Mary - posted on 12/01/2009

Try and make it fun. Get her when she's in a good mood. Tickle her make her laugh and try and make brushing her teeth fun. Even if it's not a decent brush, just getting her used to the brush inside her mouth and on her gum's& teeth and slowly she will get used to it. Good Luck.

Kylie - posted on 12/01/2009

you could use a clean wet face cloth and wipe his teeth over in the bath..let your LO chew on the cloth or make the tooth brushing a game..let him brush your teeth then his own, then your turn etc. My LO is obsessed with the toothbrushes, he screams for ours and hes got a couple of his own that i sterilize and let him chew on when he wants.