reluctant teeth cleaners

[rebmadrid]

DSs 8 and 12 go to bed with furry teeth. Tears, evasion, physical fights! Any suggestions on how I can get them to do it properly? They have had the usual talks at school etc but to no avail!

Flavoured toothpaste?

One of those chewable toothbrush thingys you see in dispensers in airport toilets?

Bribery/Blackmail? Brush your teeth every night or no pocket money?

My DS is 12 yo - I feel your pain.

He doesn't like a 'minty' toothpaste but I'm not going to buy him the childrens fruit ones just to appease him

Sensodyne Pronamel seems to be the least strong (I use Sensodyne as I have sensitive teeth and it's bland)

An egg timer- from most kitchen shops- to time 3 minutes.

Battery operated electric toothbrush

Plaque disclosing tablets my secret weapon!

And ,if I have to, I pin the little bugger down and brush his teeth myself. I make sure it's a thorough and not altogether pleasant experience. Usually sorts him out -for a while anyway!

Imo, they are old enough to realise that it has to be done, like it or not! Cleaning your teeth doesn't hurt!! I would come down really harsh on this behaviour tbh. Just because they 'don't like it' doesn't mean they can regress to tears, evasion or physical fights - they are too old for toddler type tantrums just because they are being asked to do something they don't like (and that is a necessity for their oral hygiene and health). I would say if they don't do it, or cause a big fuss, then take things away/don't let them do things they like to do and say that if they want to act like babies then they will be treated like ones. Just my opinion. I admit I am super strict and have never tolerated or pandered to ridiculous behaviour like this.

Agree with Poptart.
I would not be negotiating with a (NT) 12 year old re something that they need to do for their own good, and would instigate sanctions for their refusal.

Disclosure tablets works a treat here. As does flossing and mouth wash

Also ask the dentist to have a word with them at their 6 monthly check up. Ours was great at showing the kids how and where and gave a v good informal chat to them.

I tell mine if they dont brush well they end up like my dad ( dentures:-)

Disclosure tablets! Yes, I'd forgotten about them Thanks!

I used the disclosure tablets on my 11 and 14 yo DDs. Really shocked them.

Oh dear I would put up with this from my 4 year old have you googled pictures of badly decayed teeth to show them what could happen? I take it their oral health is ok though despite poor hygiene - it they had any fillings they would brush better to avoid a repeat I would imagine.

My 8 year old has the choice: brush your teeth, or don't brush you teeth but then you can have NOTHING remotely sugary or bad for your teeth the next day. She has never once chosen the latter

I've shown her pictures, too - that does help.

electric toothbrushes here. Both DS's (6 and 2 ) love brushing their teeth! Never thought I'd say that

I bought my DCs one one those tumblers with the 'coloured water' in the base and little floating penguins in it, to try and make it more fun.

And don't forget to get them to brush their tongues!

Just to say if they say they dont like mint - it burns my mouth I just can't use it, struggled for years
Saw ad in magazine and bought some dawood and tanner (from boots) usually on 3 for 2 and comes in 2 (non burny!) mint flavours as well as lemon or lime