Any tips on brushing toddlers teeth..?

[Richtea67]

We've tried it all...praise, all brushing together to make it fun, distraction with TV, cartoon videos of teeth brushing. He just clamps his mouth shut and throws himself backwards. Occasionally he will hold the brush himself and chew/suck it, but won't let me brush at all. I'm worried about his teeth. He's nearly 18 months. TIA x

Swaddle in a towel. It’s a trick I learnt from
the vet for treating the cat 🤣 but it also works remarkably well for toddlers. I’d always offer the chance to do it nicely first, but brushing teeth is non negotiable so if that’s not happening then swaddle and be quick and efficient. Pretty soon they cotton on that it’s easier to do it nicely! Also, fruity flavoured toothpaste (colgate make one for 0-2s) got a better response than mint at that age.

Mine only fights when teething, and it genuinely seems to be uncomfortable for her. Tip from my dentist was to stick the toothpaste on a fingertip and smear that gently over the teeth, as its more important to get it in contact with them than to brush.

Obviously this doesn't work if they try to bite you - mine doesn't.

I try really hard not to make a fuss or get cross if she is resisting as it does seem driven by pain and discomfort - but offer lots of praise when she let's us get on with it with no fuss. Trying to avoid it ever becoming a fight...

Feel for you OP- I don't know if this is great advice but my SIL works for a dentist and told me that even chewing on the toothbrush is better than nothing. I'd try the above suggestions but try not to worry too much. Maybe try not brushing his teeth at all and im sure then he'll be interested. If he's anything like my boy, the more you want him to do something the less likely he is to do it- fun beings aren't they x

Have you tried the kids ‘U-shape’ toothbrush? Game changer! I used these with both my kids when they were resistant to brushing, it worked wonderfully and they transitioned to a standard toothbrush in no time.