Brushing toddler teeth

Teresa - posted on 12/19/2009

I play 'dentist' w/ my son (21 months). He used to scream and fight everytime no matter what I tried, but in the past week or two has finally become cooperative.

Cheryl - posted on 12/18/2009

let him try it himself he might not get it the greatest but at least hes cleaning part of them my son does it himself but if you try and do it he wont let you

Jennifer - posted on 12/16/2009

Here is what helped with my 3 yr old little girl, when I started brushing her teeth I would let her help me then I would say Ok let mommy finish up so your teeth are clean and healthy. We also let her pick out her own tooth brush and have found a wonderful natural training tooth polish for kids that is apple flavored (it smells just like real apples too!). But there are still days that I have a problem with getting her teeth brushed.

Shaye - posted on 12/15/2009

We often let our daughter brush her own teeth and then at the same time, we use another tooth brush to make sure we've gotten everything. This esp. works well when she is biting on it with her molers and then we can get the front teeth. It's never easy though and sometimes she really balks at it. She also refuses to use a children's toothbrush so we have a toothbrush stand with several adult small head soft bristled brushes and she will choose which of them to use. Sometimes I pretend to put adult paste on it too-we haven't found a children's paste she will tolerate yet.

Christina - posted on 12/14/2009

When did you begin brushing? It may just be new and not so pleasant for him. I started brushing my sons when recommended at around 1 year or shortly before. They have special toddler paste with no flouride made just for this purpose.

Melba - posted on 12/14/2009

My 2 1/2 yr son lays down on the couch with his head in my lap. This makes it easier for me to get the back teeth. I let him brush his own teeth after I'm finished. When he was younger, I'd brush them in the highchair.

Lorenza - posted on 12/08/2009

For us it starts outside of the bathroom. It startes with allowing Stella to choose her own toothbrush and toothpaste. OF course we have already narrow it down to her softness and texture. For example Stella first toothbrush was Winnie the pooh since she was totally into Pooh and Winnie the the pooh toothpaste. Now she is into Dora. It allows them to have ownership. Also is if there is a favorite bed time book that show them brushing their teeth. It might help. I also sing a silly song about brushing our teeth. Its made up on the fly. Also try brushing your teeth at the same time. while your toddler is brushing theirs.
For now Stella only brushes her teeth once a day at bedtime regularly. Sometimes she will even choose to brush her teeth a second time in the day. Hope this helps.

Kim - posted on 12/08/2009

I agree with Andrea, I also found that if I brush my teeth with my daughter and let her brush mine if I can do her's that worked for me. Good luck

Andrea - posted on 12/07/2009

Have you ever thought of letting him try it is first, then asking if mommy can help and make sure they are all clean.. I use this with my son and he love's getting to be a big boy like daddy and mommy. I have just strated letting my 8 month old kid of play with her tooth brush.. She loves getting to chew on it then i take it and clean her teeth.. Hope this is helpful.. take care and best wishes