A really stupid question for any dentists out there ...

[thecatwiththesilveryfur]

DS (11 months) has suddenly decided he hates having his teeth brushed, after having been fine with it ever since he had them. My question is: is it better to keep forcing him to have them brushed (even though it's hugely distressing for him and frankly I'm not sure it's doing any real cleaning!) or to give it a break so I don't traumatised him and make him hate it forever?

Any advice gratefully received! I don't want his teeth to drop out, but I also don't want him to develop a phobia of teeth brushing!

... or any non dentists who have an idea?

You have to be creative and a bit daft I'm afraid.

Invent a silly song and dance, get teddy to brush his teeth, have a competition - everyone brushes together and see whose teeth are cleanest... or stick on a cartoon to distract him.

Hygienist here and mum of three

Get two brushes. One for him to chew on and play with ( watch out for the plastic filaments falling out tho)
Put in toy box Play toothbrushing on favourite teddy/doll
Sing jolly song- I made one up

The ‘proper ‘ brush is in the bathroom. You put a smear of toothpaste on and say ‘let’s tickle your teeth’ while singing the made up song ( tickling is a positive word )
At this age the important thing is establishing a routine. ‘Tickling’ the teeth twice a day
Maybe do yours at the same time
Let him hold the brush if he wants - Just do a little bit at a time Start at the front teeth
Lots of praise And persevere

Oh forgot to say
Sit child on your lap so your coming in from above
If your opposite it’s easier to jab them accidentally

I'm not a dentist, but here's some ideas... make it into a game, Aquafresh brushtime app (and I also found some Aquafresh teethbrushing songs on YouTube).

Consider whether it's the taste or foaming of the toothpaste he's objecting to. You can get non flavoured, non foaming toothpaste from Oranurse. Or other flavours available.

You can also buy three sided toothbrushes which makes the toothbrushing scenario quicker. Or a rubber finger brush, if you're willing to put your finger in his mouth and hopefully not be bitten!