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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

Any tips for brushing teeth?

21 replies

Keznel · 16/07/2013 21:20

My DD is 15months and hates having her teeth brushed. She has one of those wee silicone chewable brushes which we put toothpaste on. She will happily chew on this for 5-10mins in the morning no problems. It's before bed when she's tired that the battle begins. I try to clean her teeth after her bottle before we put her down. Have tried chewable toothbrush, normal toothbrush letting her hold a toothbrush while I try to brush with another one. She clamps her mouth shut pushes me away and gets very distressed at which point I usually give up as I don't want to give her a negative association with brushing her teeth. I generally then resort to sticking a bit of toothpaste on my finger and trying to rub it round her teeth, while trying to avoid getting bit! Any tips suggestions are most welcome

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GiveMeVegemite · 16/07/2013 21:33

My DS hates it too. I have resorted to singing at the top of my lungs and making him laugh, after which I poke the brush in his mouth for a few quick brushes and then repeat...over and over.... Sorry not much help!

mumtolilh · 16/07/2013 21:36

I think all toddlers hate getting their teeth brushed!
My lb hates it & screams too.I also worry that he will think of brushing teeth as a negative thing!
I recently bought my lb a toothbrush that sings lol
...he's much much better with getting it done but still not 100%
Maybe your daughter will take to a musical toothbrush really well it's something you can try :)

stressbucket1 · 16/07/2013 21:37

I have a 16 mo that didn't get teeth until 12 months. Tried the playing with the toothbrush thing and brushing my teeth in front of her but got nowhere so I just held her arms while I brushed her teeth she did cry but I made a massive fuss clapping and cheering when we finished. Only did that twice then she just let me brush them after that she loves it now think she enjoys all the praise afterwards. I know its not nice if they get upset but its important they get teeth brushed. Good luck!

UnicornsPooGlitter · 16/07/2013 21:46

A book like Max and Millie brush their teeth.

Brush a Teddy's teeth at the same time.

Say Show me your crocodile teeth, or say Aaaaaaaaaaah.

Let them brush yours as you brush theirs.

Let them see an older child have their teeth brushed / brush their teeth.

RubyGoat · 16/07/2013 21:52

Can't help really but offering moral support. My 14m DD hates it too, it takes 2 of us to brush - 1 to hold her (she does a great angry octopus impression) & 1 to actually brush the teeth. It's been about 8 months now, daily brushing, no improvement yet. Hopefully when she starts talking we can implement a reward system, but for now it's just plain force & it's horrible every time.

mumtolilh · 16/07/2013 21:56

At least we all know we aren't alone! It is like daily torture! :(
We will get there in the end :)

highlandbird · 16/07/2013 22:09

My DS hated having his teeth brushed until he found DH's electric toothbrush which he LOVED! He would have let us brush his teeth for hours with that, might be worth a go if you already have one anyway?
Unfortunately he broke a tooth recently and had to have it removed and now he hates any sort of teeth brushing again, but is almost at the age I can bribe him!

Selba · 16/07/2013 22:46

do it when your baby is sleeping

BlingLoving · 16/07/2013 22:53

Ds loathed it. Persistence, persistence, persistence. I took the view that if its not done perfectly every time, he will be ok still. I let him chew it and suck toothpaste then snuck in the odd brushing. Took months. But now he is brushing pretty happily and I am optimistic that the sub par brushing for a while probably has not done any long term harm.

xyla · 16/07/2013 22:56

I still use my finger. It gets bitten sometimes, but at least DS gives me a good 10 seconds or so before he clamps his mouth shut.

Kiwiinkits · 17/07/2013 02:41

Take turns. Each hold a toothbrush (you hold his, he holds yours). Let him brush your teeth, then say, now its my turn to brush your teeth.

Original poster

Keznel · 17/07/2013 07:02

Thanks for all the advice! I'm glad she's not the only one . I like the musical toothbrush idea mumtolilh might give that a go. A friend suggested a vibrating brush as they like the tickling sensation supposedly

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WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 17/07/2013 07:09

I used to wrap my finger in the corner of a clean muslin square and give them a good rub with that when I wasn't getting anywhere with the brush, it's gentle but effective.

Lulybelle · 17/07/2013 13:10

Best advice I ever had (although might be better for an older DC) was to narrate a little story as you do it about whatever your DC is into. My current 2.10 DS is enjoying 'look your teeth are like little pirate ships that are all dirty and I need to scrub them' with lots of yohos and arghs, mateys etc. It works well with trains, monsters, bugs, cars, animals and has revolutionised teeth brushing in our house (it used to be a pin him down situation).

Original poster

Keznel · 18/07/2013 21:17

I was at a dental appointment today and asked the dentist's advice. He said that keep making attempts at it, clean them as well as I can, but don't stress about it if it's not done perfectly every time, that it is more important to watch what she's having in her diet. No juices etc. As our DD is a water drinker and hates all juices, and she's not a fan of sweet things either, that's has put my mind at ease a bit

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Mummynaomi · 19/07/2013 10:49

Sounds brilliant where abouts can you buy them from?

Original poster

Keznel · 25/07/2013 22:27

Having failed to find a musical toothbrush, I tried brushing her teeth while she's in the bath! Success! Seems to be working for now. Though I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon. Anyone know where to buy musical toothbrushes? I tried my local chemist, boots and amazon - no joy!

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Parietal · 25/07/2013 22:34

I've a free iPhone app to make my kids brush teeth. It sings a little song & lasts 2 mins (so older Dd has to keep brushing to the end)

Also, lots of pirate / tiger / hippo noises help. And being VERY gentle when it is my turn to brush.

Carolra · 25/07/2013 22:44

18mo dd. I sit on the toilet and have her on my knee, she leans backwards so she is upside down with her head practically on the floor. This makes her laugh, I clean her teeth. It's unconventional but it works

vuvu · 28/08/2013 22:46

My 22 month old daughter just hates getting her teeth brushed whether morning or bedtime. She screams & howls & makes the whole experience tormenting for all. Please help!

jessieagain · 29/08/2013 07:46

My ds always hated it, but he has just started not minding it (26 months) I am hoping that his new attitude towards it is permanent. I give him the toothbrush so he can have a go first, (I brush my teeth with him and model how to do it). Then he lies down with his head on a cushion and I brush them for him.

Previously it was always a struggle and I had to sing, tickle, distract etc him while I tried to stick the toothbrush in to brush his teeth which he hated, but now he is quite happy to open his mouth and let me do it.

I tried an electric toothbrush when he was around 17 months and he was petrified of it and that was before I even had the chance to use it, as he was scared of the sound!

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