Which is better - not cleaning teeth, or forcing it and risking phobia?

[potatofactory]

That's the choice we are faced with at the moment. My dd (18 months) WILL NOT co-operate - we have tried all possible tactics. I'm worried that if I just go in and clean them when her mouth is open because she is screaming, then I am risking a proper phobia. If we don't do this she gets bad breath and I really worry about her teeth.

Any thoughts?

Piscesmoon, can I just point out its not me you're disagreeing with tis my dentist. He's a highly trained medical professional so I tend to listen to him. We all select the advice we want to take to suit our own belief systems. Personally I try and listen to the advice of those better qualified and informed than myself.

I disagree with your dentist Pheebe. I have heard other dentists with completely different views-they don't all agree. My way was just to insist when they were young-it wasn't open to negotiation. It becomes part of the bedtime routine.