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15m will not let me brush her teeth grr

8 replies

gingernutlover · 04/12/2006 19:31

dd age 15 m used to allow me to brush her teeth briefly after she had held the bursh and sucked it abit etc etc so I let that carry on thinking I was doing okay. The last week or so she will not let me go anywhere near her with a toothbursh, and will grab it, shove it in her mouth for a second then throw it away. I have tried sitting her on my lap to do it which results in much kicking, hitting and general trantrummy behaviour. I really do not wnat to pin her dsown to do it as I feel this would be a really bad association for her to have.

she has 12 teeth, including first doubles and am getting very worried about them, as they haven't been burshed for about 2 weeks now and she's not even eating the toothpaste now.

am going to see HV next week but would welcome any real life advice from on here.

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NAB3 · 04/12/2006 19:34

She could be teething and can't bear anything near her teeth. What about sitting in front of a mirror so she can watch, give her something to hold in both hands and then you brush. You have to find a way to brush her teeth. My son is 17m and has started to make it a bit harder but it is one of those things that just has to be done. I hope it gets easier for you to do.

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Bimblin · 04/12/2006 21:04

I've let ds stand on a little footstool up to the sink while I brush mine and put his toothbrush under the tap - its made him more interested

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Olihan · 04/12/2006 21:16

Does she copy you? My dd will quite happily stand beside me and chew her toothbrush while I do my teeth so at least she gets some toothpaste in her mouth. It is a real battle to brush them properly but I'm a bit mean and just get on with it, regardless of the strops!

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gingernutlover · 04/12/2006 21:16

thanks for suggestion about standing up at sink, that might help her see it is okay and not make so much of a fuss.

she is so strongwilled and I can see the terrible 2's starting already so dont want to create yet another thing to battle about

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Overtiredmum · 04/12/2006 21:19

My DS is quite happy to have a go unless he is teething, when he will not even venture into the bathroom! He used to watch me brush mine, so I used to hum a little tune and now he does the same!!

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NAB3 · 05/12/2006 12:47

You have to learn to pick your battles and cleaning teeth is a must do. Hope you find it easier soon.

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geekgrrl · 05/12/2006 12:50

I agree with NAB3 - some things just aren't optional and they do go through phases like this. I always pinned mine to the floor and brushed their teeth despite bitter protests.