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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

Teeth cleaning tantrums

9 replies

halcat · 30/11/2006 13:48

Anyone got any bright ideas for how to clean an 18 month old's teeth without him howling? I have tried just about every distraction technique I can think of but nothing works so I end up just pinning his arms down and doing it while he yells (this does at least mean his mouth is open).

I don't like him being this upset but equally don't want all his teeth to fall out. And extra annoyingly he opens his mouth like a lamb for my DH but for some reason clamps it shut for me. He is not normally stroppy, we just have this one flashpoint but would appreciate any tips from you all...

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

McDreamy · 30/11/2006 13:49

Have you tried using a mirror so he can see what you are doing or giving him another toothbrush to use while you brush his teeth?

nailpolish · 30/11/2006 13:51

sing very loudly

"THIS IS THE WAY WE BRUSH OUR TEETH....."

brush our teeth
brush our teeth

etc

and act like a complete loon, he will soon be laughing and joining in

FredBassett · 30/11/2006 13:54

My DS loves numbers so I have to count his teeth while I do it.

Original poster

halcat · 30/11/2006 14:02

Mc D, yes I've tried that with both another kids bruish and an adults brush and it just leads to more yelling! And also the mirrir thing hasn;t worked either. But haven't tried singing or counting so will have a bash with that later, cheers.

I wouldn't mind so much but he has a cold at the moment and so his breath really reeks... just not the time to leave off brushing for everyone's sakes.

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Frostythesurfmum · 30/11/2006 14:06

I used to tell dd the Teletubbies were in her mouth and I had to tickle them with the toothbrush.

If it's any consolation, I had the same trouble and asked my dentist for tips as he had a little girl a few months older than dd. He PHSL and said "I'm a dentist, my wife's a dentist and even we can't win that battle".

KTeepee · 30/11/2006 14:12

My HV said that as long as they are getting used to the idea it doesn't really matter how good or bad their brushing technique is. I personally would just give him the brush to chew on at bath time.... but I am very relaxed about this sort of thing. DS1 rarely brushed his teeth as a todler and has perfect teeth, dd went to a nursery where they brushed after every meal and had several fillings at a young age.

Wasn't there someone a while back who used to lay their child on the floor and hold their head between their knees while they brushed their teeth?

Original poster

halcat · 30/11/2006 14:18

Frosty that's brilliant, if they can't do it then I certainly won't be able to ... maybe I will just take KT's advice (the chilled out bit, not the headlock bit)

OP posts:

Frostythesurfmum · 30/11/2006 15:20

DD definitely grew out of it. She's 3.6 now and cleans her teeth with no arguing.

BaileysMilkshake · 30/11/2006 16:04

DD(3)has her own toothpaste and chooses her toothbrushes, and has done this from about 18mnths. She stands on the loo and has a vanity mirror to watch herself in and is great at front teeth, but copies my arm movements for back teeth, although doesnt actually manage to do any 'cleaning as such so we help.

She had her first dentist trip last week and the dentist was very happy with her teeth.

DH spotteed in Hawkins Bazaar a wooden childrens toothbrush holder with a 3 minute egg time on - would this help your son? As we are now thinkning of this to encourage a good brushing session for DD.

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