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4 year old hates toothpaste

12 replies

emlu67 · 20/02/2011 22:33

My DS changed from the 0-3 to 4-6 year old toothpaste when he turned 4 however hates the taste. Tried another 'child' type toothpaste with even worse reaction.

I have tried four different brands of ordinary toothpaste (checked they are suitable for under 7's) being careful that he doesn't swallow any of it as they have the extra fluoride. He hates all of them so every tooth brushing session is a screaming match!

Just wondered if anyone else has this problem and if there is a particular brand they could recommend?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
vmcd28 · 20/02/2011 23:32

What flavour are the ones you've tried?

aviatrix · 20/02/2011 23:47

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aviatrix · 20/02/2011 23:48

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belledechocchipcookie · 20/02/2011 23:50

www.tomsofmaine.co.uk I used to use this, ds liked the strawberry one. He found that the usual minty toothpaste made his tongue sting.

CaurnieBred · 21/02/2011 00:06

Ride it out. I did with DD - we changed her to adult toothpaste (Colgate) when she was about 3 or 4. She whinged and complained but we just told her it was tough. She was old enough for normal toothpaste and we were not buying the "baby" stuff anymore. She still gives us the odd moan (she is now 6), but gets ignored.

jennifersofia · 21/02/2011 00:17

Our children don't like rampant mint taste, so we use kingfisher fennel. It comes with flouride or without - can usually get it in health shops.

starfishmummy · 21/02/2011 00:31

My DS hates toothpaste so his dentist suggested that we could try dipping his brush in kids mouthwash. Obviously this isn't as good as toothpaste but is better than nothing!
Have tried various kids ones and recently tried Toms of Maine strawberry - he's not keen on that either.......

PrettyCandles · 21/02/2011 00:41

Our dentist says that, at this age, the important thing is to set up a good, willing, twice-daily, teeth-brushing habit. So, if you've tried lots of different toothpastes, not to get into a fight over toothpaste but to go ahead and brush without any.

Obvioisly, avoid sugary foods, but also avoid sticky foods like dried fruit after meals.

Brush for as long as the child will tolerate, aiming for two minutes. Praise good brushing.

Tastes change with time, and, even if they don't, an older child may have better understanding and be more willing to co-operate.

We've been doing this with dd since she was about 3. Her teeth are absolutely fine, no decay. Now, age 8, she brushes with an electric toothbrush and no toothpaste, but a couple of times a week I brush fir her with a dab of toothpaste, and we will gradually increase.

Seona1973 · 21/02/2011 09:36

why not just go back to the 0-3 toothpaste - better to have that than none at all.

aviatrix · 21/02/2011 09:47

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kreecherlivesupstairs · 21/02/2011 10:39

I'd also go for an electric toothbrush, DD didn't always enjoy brushing her teeth so we got her a battery operated one.
It only took a couple of goes with it and she's quite happy now.
Caurnie, why would you do that? Genuiniely interested.

sarahtigh · 22/02/2011 17:11

as dentist it is brushing that is important so forget the toothpaste or go back to 0-3 paste

I really hate mint but its impossible to find good cheap paste without you have no idea how many dental companies I have mentioned it to but am unusual they don't take it on board,a tiny tiny smear of paste is enough any way

a small piece of cheese after meals helps too

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