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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

How on earth do I get DS to put a tooth brush near his mouth!

6 replies

sillysillysally · 13/07/2007 21:58

DS is just coming up to 2. As soon as the toothbrush goes anywhere near him his mouth clamps shut. We've tried everything- choo choo train, using daddy's brush, singing- all of which may work once but then never again. I feel he's a bit young to understand the concept of treats for good behaviour plus what would I give him anyway?
Please help before all his teeth drop out!

OP posts:

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ChorusLine · 13/07/2007 21:59

Hi Sally - there are quite a few threads on this recently - headlock seems to be the best

snowwonder · 13/07/2007 22:01

does he like fire engines because you can get character shaped brushes, think they are made by crest? but you can get them in tesco etc...

i have to play a game with my dd and guess what she had for lunch etc at nursery, becuase if she opens her mouth i can see it to her tummy as i am a magic mummy

tombley · 13/07/2007 22:03

Take him to town on a special shopping trip when he will be able to choose his own new brush and make a really big deal out of it. Then allow him to brush his own teeth first and then mummy just finish off for him. It doesn't matter if you don't manage to do much at first as long as he becomes comfortable with the brush in his mouth.

mummymagic · 13/07/2007 22:18

What about ignoring the issue for a bit but letting him see you (and family) enjoying () brushing your teeth? Making a big show of doing it, and if he wants to put toothpaste on or share your brush and do a bit then great but very casual...

My dd is a lot younger so it might not work with your son but she loves to copy us so it has worked well to lose the tears for us. she also loves to clean my teeth ! and as part of this fun game we brush hers.

berolina · 13/07/2007 22:22

ds (2.2) is often a reluctant teeth-brusher. Once a day we let him do it more or less 'himself', with some gentle guidance. To get him to do that, I often reach him the toothbrush and then whisk it away from him so he has to reach/grab for it (a game he loves). By the time he gets hold of it he's pleased with himself and has forgotten the initial objection.

berolina · 13/07/2007 22:23

(Oh, the other once a day we do the headlock thing... )

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