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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Tooth brushing - 13m old - help!!

5 replies

heroinahalfshell · 13/12/2011 12:13

Brushing DS's teeth is starting become somewhat of an ordeal. I hate distressing him but the only way to get it done is for me and DH to pin him down and I hate it :(

Sometimes you can distract him and get him a laugh and do a quick brush while he has his mouth open but he has cottoned onto that now...

Any tips???

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Weissbier · 13/12/2011 12:27

If he's not got many teeth, you could try one of those rubber things that you put on your finger instead of a brush - DD preferred this (gave it up once she got more teeth though as she used to bite my finger!)

Other than that I would just be immovable over the fact it has to be done - he'll give in eventually, if you are consistent. For Inner Strength, remind yourself as you pin him down that toothache'd distress him a lot more.

Timeoutofmind · 13/12/2011 12:31

With my 11mo I pretend to brush my teeth and then she usually allows me to brush hers for a few seconds and then I just keep repeating it. I also let her hold the toothpaste which distracts her a bit!

Timeoutofmind · 13/12/2011 12:31

belindarose · 13/12/2011 12:47

Google and buy a 'brush baby'. It's a rubber toothbrush that they can hold and chew.

gourd · 13/12/2011 12:57

At 15 MO my daughtter will now allow me to brush her teeth for a few seconds if she has brushed them herself first. By that I mean, clamped her mouth around the toothbrush and wiggled the hendle herself. Actual brushing of teeth is only acheived by me and only for a couple of seconds but it's better than nothing. My Dad suggested a cheap electric brush she can hold and will actually do the brushing movements for her, so we may try that but I think that will still only work if she gets the idea that she needs to allow the brush to actually move in her mouth and stops clamping down on it so it wont move! I think all you can do is show your child how to do it, then allow them to try it themselves (either on themselves or on you/teddy etc) before "finishing" the job for them, if they will let you.

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