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Original poster

How important is teeth brushing?

126 replies

howsoonisnow85 · 23/01/2021 07:52

My DD is 11 months & has 8 teeth, it is absolutely impossible to brush her teeth, she just will not let me. The routine I have come to with her is that whilst I am brushing mine I have her in the bathroom & give her a baby toothbrush which she sucks/ chews on.
Do I need to force this more with her as it will cause her issues later on, or should I pick my battles & this isn't one until shes older?
Thanks!

OP posts:
Kittykat93 · 23/01/2021 07:57

I would say tooth brushing is non negotiable. You say you cant do it but shes only eight months old, cant you gently hold her arms and just do it for her ?? My kids used to hate doing teeth but I'm afraid sometimes I did have to hold their arms and just do it for them, they are three now and will happily let me help so it hasnt negatively affected them.

Kittykat93 · 23/01/2021 07:57

Sorry shes 11 months not 8 months.. comment still applies though

Kittykat93 · 23/01/2021 07:58

Also sucking a toothbrush will not be doing anything.. if you dont start helping her brush she will end up needing fillings at age 3!

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Dontforgetyourbrolly · 23/01/2021 07:59

Yeah ....you have to do it

AnneLovesGilbert · 23/01/2021 07:59

It’s very important! Have you tried an electric toothbrush like the brush baby? It’s non-negotiable here twice a day and has been since she got teeth. If they’re eating food you have to be brushing teeth. If you find doing it stressful imagine how much worse it would be if she had to have some of her baby teeth taken out because of decay.

shouldistop · 23/01/2021 08:00

Non negotiable in this house, when ds1 was little I sometimes had to wrap him in a towel to pin his arms, he'd then scream which was handy as he'd open his mouth and I could brush his teeth.
This stage doesn't last long.

Marshmon · 23/01/2021 08:00

I took my 20 month old to the dentist for the first time last week. The dentist said the important thing is to try twice a day. Doesn’t matter if you have varying levels of success.

She didn’t say you need to pin them down to make them do it. I think you’d be making tooth brushing something unpleasant doing that and just making negative associations for when the baby is older

MooseBerry · 23/01/2021 08:00

They need brushing. There was a thread a few months back about a very young child requiring extensive and intrusive dental work because of this very reason. Have you tried finger brushes?

MaMaD1990 · 23/01/2021 08:02

I have a 20 month old and brushing her teeth has always been a nightmare. We do the same as you OP but now I put her in front of the mirror so she can see how she brushed her teeth. We also watch lots of brushing our teeth kids clips which has helped and made up a little song. We still brush her teeth for her and sometimes that does mean pinning her down - it sounds awful but when she cries in protest it makes it easier. As soon as we've finished she's fine as if nothing has happened. Keep doing what you're doing and try to make it fun, but you do need to make sure her teeth are properly cleaned. It sets good habits as she gets older too - one less argument down the road!

musicalfrog · 23/01/2021 08:02

I had to pin mine down when they were little. No adverse long term effects I'm pleased to report (now age 7 and does his own).

12098s · 23/01/2021 08:02

I guess the question is - would you be happy not brushing your own teeth and just sucking on a tooth brush?

I'm guessing probably not.

CecilyP · 23/01/2021 08:02

I didn’t brush DS’s teeth until the pre-molars came through. (Neglectful mum, I know!). There was no decay in any of his incisors by the time they fell out. Obviously, just one example and other kids may be different.

AldiIsla · 23/01/2021 08:03

You know when people say pick your battles? This one. Pick this one.

All 3 of mine had to be pinned down for brushing at one point or another. Never had to pin them down to have a tooth pulled or filled though.

Try gentle flavours of toothpaste, there's strawberry and watermelon which is easier on younger taste buds.

12098s · 23/01/2021 08:04

I guess the question is - would you be happy not brushing your own teeth and just sucking on a tooth brush?

I'm guessing probably not.

Original poster
howsoonisnow85 · 23/01/2021 08:05

Thankyou for the replies & advice, she also hates having nappy changed & getting dressed so already feel like Im pinning her down alot! I will definitely try the wrapping in towel technique, I think that could work, and will look into finger brushes.
Im not a bad mum, just a first time one trying to work it all out!

OP posts:
VettiyaIruken · 23/01/2021 08:08

Non negotiable imo

I used little silicone (I think) brushes that went on my finger like finger puppets and strawberry flavoured toothpaste. Mum being daft and putting a finger in their mouth while making silly noises and faces was easier than trying to shove a little stick in there.

AnnaSW1 · 23/01/2021 08:09

Have you tried playing the hey duggee toothbrushing song? That worked for us at around that age. They watched it while I brushed

VettiyaIruken · 23/01/2021 08:13

Oh yes, I also made up a brushing your teeth song.

Which, considering my singing voice, probably constituted cruel and unusual punishment.

CecilyP · 23/01/2021 08:17

Just to add, sucking a toothbrush is getting her used to the idea of having one in her mouth, so should lead on to actual brushing shortly. MaMaD’s suggestions sound good.

welshladywhois40 · 23/01/2021 08:19

When my baby was this age we did it in the bath while she was distracted with a toy and still do it now with a nearly 3 year old.

We also sang a silly brush your teeth song too at the same time.

If his mouth was close a tickle under the jaw.

Also - it's a pain but we change the toothbrush often as they seem to keep them them soft. Baby brushes just don't seem to last

Royalbloo · 23/01/2021 08:20

A dentist told me once it's more about getting the fluoride into their system than actual brushing at that age? Any dentists here?

Enko · 23/01/2021 08:21

Also one of our few non-negotiable

seat belts on is another one for me.

LolaSmiles · 23/01/2021 08:21

It's non-negotiable in this house too. We started
gently doing a little when the teeth poked through and when DC didn't like it, we bought them a silicone toothbrush teething toy to chew at their leisure. It meant they were used to the shape in their mouth when we had to start using a real toothbrush

grandmasterstitch · 23/01/2021 08:22

My DS is almost 3 and has always hated having his teeth brushed. Now I give him 3 chances to open his mouth then I lie him down and pin his arms down with my knees. Needs must

IHaveBrilloHair · 23/01/2021 08:27

I disagree with everyone else.
Whilst of course I think its important her teeth aren't going to all rot and suddenly fall out because she won't have them brushed properly.
Carry on as you are, brush your teeth, let her "brush" hers and as she gets older she'll probably let you.
Forcing her now may well make it a much bigger problem for years.