Stressing out about 10mo teeth brushing

[SockEatersMummy]

My 10 month old has 2 teeth (front bottom) and at first was happy to have teeth brushed but for the last week or so it has become a real drama - wailing, snapping head away, clamping jaw shut etc. It takes DH to hold and me to 'brush'!

We are in an area where there is no floride in the water so are using (on local authority advice given to all in the area) full strength colgate - although only a tiny amount - and a small baby toothbrush.

Demonstrating having my teeth brushed doesn't help, neither does brushing teddy's teeth - I guess she is too young for that?

Any ideas? Is it a case of persevere and one day the battle will be easier or will I make a massive issue out of it and at 4yrs it will still be a headache?

Do it when your DC is in the bath - was the only way I managed to get DS1 to deal with toothbrushing as he loved his bath so much and was distracted enough by his bathtoys to tolerate being toothbrushed.

Don't stress - at this age it's mostly about getting them used to the routine of brushing, not so much about the cleanliness, iyswim.

Have you tried letting her hold the brush? Even if she just chews it, it will help to get the fluoride onto the teeth, and she might let you do some brushing afterwards if she's had a go first.

Also, is she cutting any new teeth? Maybe it's painful?

I second trying in the bath, and that your DC might be in pain from teething. DS loved having his teeth brushed (just thought it was more food I think), but did kick up a stink when his top teeth were coming through.

Keep trying as it's mostly about getting into the habit rather than getting the teeth sparkling. Hope it gets better for you.

We had this problem and just perservered with it. After a couple of weeks it became a little easier (became a one-person rather than two-person job) and just in the last few days she's started enjoying it again and even giggles while i brush (she's now 12 months). We always gave her the brush to play with afterwards which she enjoyed and i think made it a bit more bearable.

how about singing a silly brushing teeth song? Or what worked for me was a vibrating baby toothbrush. I just gave to my ds with toothpaste on and he loved the vibrations so much he kept chewing on it for plenty long enough and then would let me do a tiny bit as well

We had this problem as well after the initial novelty of toothbrushing had worn off for DS. We solved it by persevering twice a day even if it meant holding DS down to do it. Not pleasant but necessary in my opinion. One tip from this site which helped us was to talk to DS about all the things the toothbrush was looking for in his mouth each time we brushed. A few months on he is fine and happy with it and it's no problem.

I also do my 2 in the bath. In the mornings, I sneak the brush into their mouths while the tv's on.
Mine are 2.5 and 11months.
Ds1 used to be awful and hate it, but I'd just stick it out, it will pass.
Maybe try putting a bit of toothpaste on your finger and rubbing that around so your dc gets used to the taste and having something brushed across his little teeth? That's what I did for a bit with ds1.

Thanks guys, will definitely try in the bath as bath time is a BIG favourite, hadn't though of that.
I guess it is possible that another tooth is on its way and so the gums are very sore so might get better once its through.
Fingers crossed it gets better, when DH is late home from work I don't think I'd manage it alone at the moment!

Don't worry about it. All you have to do at this age is ensure you get the flouride onto them. You can do this with your finger.

Oh god! thanks for posting this! I came onto here specifically to write a similar question after another day of DS (11 months) clamping jaw shut and turning head away.

Was really panicking, because I tend to just give up .

Will try the toothpaste-on-finger thing, and continue to let him just play with/chew the toothbrush (although he tends to put the wrong end in his mouth... ho hum!...)

We've had this problem and only just resolved it with ds who is 22 months. He would wail, scream, throw himself about etc.... I have found a new toothpaste helps which is from Greenbaby and is mandarin flavoured so not the strong minty flavour of colgate. Maybe worth a try? It is expensive though but as you only use a tiny amount each time. Hope you get it sorted as it is a nightmare when you know you need to do it twice a day.

try singing a song that is fimiliar to your child. I would always sing 'bob the builder' to my DS and he would sing too while i quickly brushed round all his teeth. I am a Dental nurse and i think part of the problem you might be having with your child is down to the toothpaste you are using. Some toothpastes are very strong to taste, adult toothpaste especially can be too strong for a child. You should look on the label and see how many ppm is right for your child. My Ds is 4 and he uses 1400 ppm, the one you should use is the level below that. I hope this helps you! goodluck!