Help! 13 month old suddenly refusing to let me brush his teeth

[squishedblueberry]

He has 8. He’s been really good about it since we started, he chews the brush for a bit then I do a quick brush top and bottom, we do a little song as part of the routine.

For the last week he’s clamped his mouth shut and pushed the brush away. I’ve tried to distract him and get it in but he bites down on it so I can’t brush. I’ve let him chew the brush as it’s better than nothing but I’m worried it’s going to cause decay :(

Any tips? He is teething so I wondered if it’s just a bit sore and will pass in a few days but I’m worried about his teeth in the meantime

Exact same issue so I’ll follow with interest!!I got a baby electric toothbrush that lights up that she is more keen on but still not able to do a full brush and also worried about her teeth!!!

Ooh maybe I’ll look into one of those although he’s also going through a phase of being a bit frightened/uncertain of anything that makes a noise whereas previously that didn’t bother him either!

Mine is 20 months but I got her to let me do hers by getting her to watch me do mine

Your DC is probably a too young but I used to say "it's time for a trip to Mummys dentist" in my most best exciting voice and role play getting in through the waiting room etc. Also let him brush yours at the same time as you do his.

Hmm my friend is a dental assistant and they don't recommend electric toothbrushes for children as they say it's better to get them to learn how to do it properly with a normal toothbrush. Sorry to throw a spanner into the works!

Maybe he can help you with your teeth and then you can help with his?

Thanks for the tips and the info on the electric toothbrush! I’m not going to push it too much for a day or two as his gums are quite sore from the teething but then I’ll try and make it into a fun game. I try not to make it too lively as it’s just before bed but us doing it together is a good idea

He doesn't have any premolars coming through does he? DD was really good at letting me do her teeth, then all of a sudden she kicked up a right fuss, I noticed a few days later one of her premolars had cut. She had no signs of teething either, she's almost 14 months and has 2 more that have just cut through this week!