Brushing teeth

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My son is 8.5 months old and has 6 teeth. Should I be brushing them? He literally screams at me when I try to brush them - with proper tears and everything. He's quite happy to play with the toothbrush when he's given it, so I know he doesn't hate the taste of his toothpaste or anything like that. He has only started the screaming in the last couple of days. Very annoying! What should I do?

I was in the same boat. DD has always been a screamer and used to protest loudly and fiercely every time I brushed her teeth.

I am afraid there is only one solution - persist with toothbrushing and try and distract your DS as much possible. I used all distraction techniques I could think of - making animal sounds, singing, citing Gruffalo and giving lots of praise when DD stayed still for a couple of seconds. It took a long time but eventually DD got used to tooth brushing. It was such a relief!

Don’t make it a battle. If he bites in the toothbrush and the toothpaste gets in there that’s probably good enough for now. Model it while he’s holding it. There’s also a great Elmo toothbrushing song on YouTube that kids love.

At that age I would try distraction techniques like songs, being silly, do it in bedroom, or while watching TV or something like that.
Bed in the idea that it will happen every night but try not to make it a stressful fight.
Also I know some kids don't like minty tastes - have you tried the strawberry flavours?