Teeth brushing hacks - screenfree

[PickledFern]

Anyone got any screen free hacks for teeth brushing? Since my son was a baby (now 2yo) we've popped on a video while doing his teeth. Otherwise he just clamps down on the brush and/or screams.

In the evening its a nice bonding time treat where he gets to watch motor racing with his dad. But in the morning, we're increasingly getting tantrums when it's removed and I'm over it 😅

I'd like to not dwell on screen free ethics. But how do you guys brush teeth with a begrudging toddler?

Farting toothbrush. Or if you can't bear that, then one of the ones that flashes a little light for the duration of the brushing.

We watch a specific 2 mins teeth brushing song, like the Hey Digger toothbrushing song or Super Simple Songs do one. Otherwise it's wailing and screaming! We don't have any resistance because it's clear it's over - but I wish you luck with a screen free option! We didn't manage that with our eldest till she was 3.

My dd is in her early 20s now so my toddler toothbrushing years came before screens were a thing.

She used to love pretend play so if she didn't want her teeth brushed, we played dentists. That usually worked.

@BoobsOnTheMoon this is brilliant, thank you XD

@Lottie6712 this is where we started, specific toothbrush song but lord farquad now knows how to drive a hard bargain. No car videos, no mouth access.

I always kept an old toothbrush for DS to “brush” one of his toys teeth as a distraction while I did his properly. Made him feel more involved and in control rather than just having something done to him.