Tips for teeth brushing battles?

[Loops81]

My 18 m/o hates having her teeth brushed. She's fine with the front teeth, takes the brush and will do it herself or let me. But she has some molars at the back that I can't for the life of me get to - cries and grabs the brush and clamps her mouth shut. I don't want to hurt her or for it to become a horrible traumatic experience for her but I do need to brush them or it will be worse at the dentist! Does anyone have any tips?!

[holeinmyheart]

We got a child's electric tooth brush and an egg timer. They can do it themselves and can see how long they have to do it for. No brushing at the back, then no story and straight into bed.
We also tried hard not to give them sugary food as much as possible.

[hazeyjane]

You really need to do a child's teeth for them until they are around 6/7 - they can start or finish, but you need to make sure you check they are cleaning them properly (disclosing tablets are good for this when they are older)

With ds we used to wrap in a towel and just do it, as gently as we could, then lots of cuddle afterwards. We tried all the other ways I have seen recommended but none of them worked. Our dentist showed us the 'firm but gentle' technique.

[nilbyname]

I tell a story about things that are hiding in her mouth usually animals, so I'll say oh look there is a tiny cheetah open a bit more so I can him properly, and then we go on like that. Distraction.

[GiraffesAndButterflies]

My DD likes doing our teeth together, I open my mouth really wide so she can see what I'm doing and copy me yes I do drip toothpaste everywhere

I also give the toothbrush a voice and it does a happy dance when we're finished

HTH