toothbrushing problems

[krisskross]

My DS is 2 yrs 9 mths and really hates having teeth brushed,we let him do ours at same time, or do his at same time, but he is getting wise to our tricks.

I am a bit anxious as he still has a bottle morning and evening (I know, I know...) and the bottom of his bottom teeth is very slightly discoloured.

Any advice?

hi i dont have any advice im afraid as im in same boat with my20month old dd but didnt want you2go unanswered.
she hates having it done!she wont go near her toothbrush!
have tried same as you&doing it4her but nowt works!
am interested2see what others have2say

My 19 month old has been the same for months - so I have had to basically force the brush in (he has to open his mouth to shout at me to stop) - which has been horrible for both of us for weeks - but each time I did it I explained that if he was a good boy and went 'aah' and opened his mouth himself then it wouldn't hurt and I would be very quick, and he would be a very good boy etc etc. I think the message finally got through that I was going to keep doing it and he might as well give up fighting - as in the last few days he has been much, much better.

(I know I will now have a nightmare when I try tonight!!)

Star chart? Worked for us (mostly) when the shorter term distractions (eg hunting for gruffalo in dd's mouth) stopped working. 10 stars in a week for being 'helpful' when getting ready (including teeth), and we go and buy sweets on a Friday. Yes the irony is not lost on me! I always swing it so she gets sweets though, even if she's lost stars for something, I think of some other way she can earn them back (she is only 2.9 and I'm a soft touch).

thanks for tips everyone, and good to know its not just us! will try everything now- new toothbrushes and star charts (though the potty training one is looking dusty...and so is the potty.....)

you dont see that many kids with awful teeth do you????