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Original poster

is it OK for force 1yo DS to clean his teeth?

31 replies

snowleopard · 28/06/2006 21:26

DS has entered strop mode and hates having his teeth cleaned. He's 12 months so we can't reason or bargain with him - so at the moment we're holding him still, cleaning his teeth against his will (as quickly as possible!) and he screams blue murder. i don't think it's actually hurting him but is it worth causing him this much distress? On the one hand I don't want his teeth to fall out, and it seems the kinder thing to do in the long run to make sure they're clean. On the other I don't want to make this a huge battleground and something he'll always associate with misery and being forced to do. We've tried all manner of tricks and games but he just hates it. Don't know what's best to do...

OP posts:

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CarolinaMoose · 29/06/2006 15:20

I do holding down with ds (20mo).

He is v enthusiastic about his toothbrush but is of course crap at actually brushing effectively, so I pin him down after he's had a go himself. He's recently become incredibly reluctant for me to do it and it is like keyhole surgery as he clamps his mouth shut, while curled up in a ball.

I'm hoping things will improve .

MerlinsBeard · 29/06/2006 15:25

with both my boys, they get to brush their teeth, then i rinse the toothpaste oiff (at least thats what they think i do . my youngest is 14 moths and will happily brish his teeth next to his brother, he does sometime fuss but i don't force it tbh. he will just get down then

Bozza · 29/06/2006 15:26

Hold down if necessary. I disagree with Mumfor1standfinaltime. I think it indicates that teeth cleaning is non-negotiable. Have also tried various other tricks to get them to comply but is currently not an issue with either 5 yo DS (who has 2 adult teeth) or 2 yo DD. Expect that might soon change because DD is being a strop monster ATM.

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southeastastra · 29/06/2006 16:04

i sing like a loon when i am cleaning my sons teeth to distract him, it usually works!

mumfor1standfinaltime · 30/06/2006 23:57

I just don't like the idea of holding a child to force them to brush their teeth! Ds is only 18 months so I am not experienced enough yet to know how he will behave towards brushing his teeth in the near future.
He is very good at letting me in his mouth with the brush and as he doesn't have all his teeth yet there aren't too many to brush!
I do not let him get away with not having them brushed and always make it clear to him about the routine of 'teeth brushing'.
He only drinks milk and water and very rarely has an odd milky bar. He doesn't eat sweet things on a daily basis. Must say that it's an interesting point about raisins - glad ds doesn't like raisins!

leander - have you tried giving your dd 'her own' toothbrush and you use another to brush teeth. {Similar to when you wean and have two spoons}? Found this helps for me. Ds is always grabbing my toothbrush too as its the same colour!

VeniVidiVickiQV · 01/07/2006 00:00

Gotta make it fun or dont bother. Otherwise its setting you up for years of hassling over it.

What about one of those really bright flashing toothbrushes? or electric ones?

Maybe just a finger with some toothpaste on for the time being?

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