15m will not let me brush her teeth grr

[gingernutlover]

dd age 15 m used to allow me to brush her teeth briefly after she had held the bursh and sucked it abit etc etc so I let that carry on thinking I was doing okay. The last week or so she will not let me go anywhere near her with a toothbursh, and will grab it, shove it in her mouth for a second then throw it away. I have tried sitting her on my lap to do it which results in much kicking, hitting and general trantrummy behaviour. I really do not wnat to pin her dsown to do it as I feel this would be a really bad association for her to have.

she has 12 teeth, including first doubles and am getting very worried about them, as they haven't been burshed for about 2 weeks now and she's not even eating the toothpaste now.

am going to see HV next week but would welcome any real life advice from on here.

She could be teething and can't bear anything near her teeth. What about sitting in front of a mirror so she can watch, give her something to hold in both hands and then you brush. You have to find a way to brush her teeth. My son is 17m and has started to make it a bit harder but it is one of those things that just has to be done. I hope it gets easier for you to do.

I've let ds stand on a little footstool up to the sink while I brush mine and put his toothbrush under the tap - its made him more interested

Does she copy you? My dd will quite happily stand beside me and chew her toothbrush while I do my teeth so at least she gets some toothpaste in her mouth. It is a real battle to brush them properly but I'm a bit mean and just get on with it, regardless of the strops!

thanks for suggestion about standing up at sink, that might help her see it is okay and not make so much of a fuss.

she is so strongwilled and I can see the terrible 2's starting already so dont want to create yet another thing to battle about

My DS is quite happy to have a go unless he is teething, when he will not even venture into the bathroom! He used to watch me brush mine, so I used to hum a little tune and now he does the same!!

You have to learn to pick your battles and cleaning teeth is a must do. Hope you find it easier soon.

I agree with NAB3 - some things just aren't optional and they do go through phases like this. I always pinned mine to the floor and brushed their teeth despite bitter protests.