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Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

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Original poster

How do I get 10 mo to let me brush her teeth, or do I give up?

31 replies

ChukkyPig · 30/05/2008 19:32

Went to the dentist recently, he scared the life out of me. He said I should be brushing her (2) teeth for 30 secs am and pm.

I always give her the brush to hold with a bit of paste on it and she sucks/chews the correct end, but she won't let me 'drive'.

Have tried being mean a couple of times and sort of holding her mouth open and trying to brush but then she just sticks her tongue in the way. And I don't want to give her a phobia about it!

Have now noticed it is a bit yellow between her teeth (yuck).

Any advice?

Or reassurance that at this age it doesn't really matter?

Anything would be helpful, thanks!

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Habbibu · 30/05/2008 19:34

You may have to pin her down a bit for a while. Explain what you're going to do a few times before you do it, and we always sing a song - dd is currently swithering between Pat A Cake and Baa Baa Black Sheep - think perserverance, praise and patience are key.

mybrainaches · 30/05/2008 19:35

Forget the toothpaste, not important at the moment, see if she does better without it.

Original poster

ChukkyPig · 30/05/2008 19:38

Really? I was hoping for the don't worry about it she's too young at the mo option.

Know in my heart of hearts tooth brushing properly isn't optional though.

Any tips on how to get her to keep her tongue out of the way?

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Habbibu · 30/05/2008 19:39

Not really - just keep wiggling the brush underneath it - try doing things that make her laugh, like pulling faces, etc.

Original poster

ChukkyPig · 30/05/2008 19:40

Oh and thank you for replying even if it wasn't quite what I was hoping for!!!

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Original poster

ChukkyPig · 30/05/2008 19:41

Thanks, sounds like I'll be roping the DH in for full and major distraction action!

OP posts:

NotABanana · 30/05/2008 19:55

She needs her teeth cleaned and imo you need to use toothpaste.

BibiThree · 30/05/2008 19:56

Give her a toothbrush to play with/chew on so she gets used to the feel of one in her mouth, then it won't seem so strange to her.

nowwearefour · 30/05/2008 19:56

i tried giving my dd a toothbrush of her own to hold and bite on and just get mine (with toothpaste on) in her mouth in between her playings! seems to work vaguely ok!!!

BibiThree · 30/05/2008 19:57

Worked with the dts who are 10m now. They're not keen on it, but will let me do it, which is mroe than they would a month ago

foxythesnowfox · 30/05/2008 19:58

I hold my 10 mo infront of the mirror to do hers. She sort of chews on the brush and I wiggle it around a bit. But she doesn't mind it.

Original poster

ChukkyPig · 30/05/2008 20:03

Sounds like I just have to keep at it. She is happy enough chewing the brush but does her nut if me or DH hold the handle and try to move it for her. She just puts her tongue in the way, pushes the brush out with it and pushes herself as far away as possible.

The mirror idea sounds good though will def give that one a try tomorrow.

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lackaDAISYcal · 30/05/2008 20:06

I give DD her brush with a smear of toothpaste on to chew as I do mine and then I give hers a bit of a going over when I'm done. she tries to pull away, but I find I have more success if I tackle it from behind with her sitting on my lap.

Tinkjon · 30/05/2008 23:31

Personally, if the brush had toothpaste on, I would consider chewing the brush to be enough for now.

littleboyblue · 30/05/2008 23:39

Glad this thread has been started. my ds is 19months and has only just got his 2nd tooth. I've been waiting for 2nd to catch up with 1st before attempting brushing so I don't hurt him. Is this wrong? Should I do it now? Also in morning, brush before or after breakfast and at night is it ok to do in bath before milk feed?

AbstractMouse · 31/05/2008 00:15

Ds is 19 months and has erm a few teeth, I have to pin him down (easier with 2), it's blardy hard work and he bites down on the toothbrush, I find blowing in his face gives me a few seconds of brushing time. I try my best then let him chew the brush. Pin the tail on the rotating donkey or what

littleboyblue · 31/05/2008 08:40

I made a typing mistake, my son is 9 months, not 19 months. Gosh, what 1 glass of wine will do to me! haha. So, do I start brushing now?

TheProvincialLady · 31/05/2008 09:11

I thought that was very old for 2 teeth!

It used to help with my DS if I gave him my brush and let him brush my teeth (ie jab me hard in the gums) whilst I did his. Well it only seems fair!

hashim · 31/05/2008 09:12

oh ace. I have this problem and wondered what to do. My daughter (8 months) clamps her lips shut as soon as she sees the toothbrush.
I've put a couple of toothbruhes in her toy box and she kind of plays with the brush during the day, but will not let mum or dad have a go. It's a nightmare. Although she did let me brush them the other day when we were in the bath together.

littleboyblue · 31/05/2008 10:30

I've just looked for the toothbrush that my mum got him and can't find it so will have to buy a new one and will start brushing on monday. Wish me luck!

black31cat · 31/05/2008 10:34

My son is 16 months and my "magic bullet" has been the Night Garden episode where the Tombliboos clean their teeth. We now have "Tombliboo teeth cleaning" every day in our house, complete with songs and DS loves it!

Original poster

ChukkyPig · 31/05/2008 14:29

Well today I pinned her down and sang at her and managed to get a couple of scrubs in! Hopefully she'll get used to it and not complain so much (fingers crossed!)...

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nannyjo · 31/05/2008 14:33

I was led to believe the most important thing at this age is that they are getting the flouride from the toothpaste. Obviously try to clean each time but that isn't as important just now. I have a small fight with my DS (12m) then just giuve the brush to him (with the paste on) and he chews it a littlt bit on his teeth anyway, then take it off him before he demolishes it

woodstock3 · 31/05/2008 15:01

ds adores the taste of toothpaste but doesnt like brushing, he just wants to eat it off the brush. had been sort of hoping this was enough (like nannjo) but eventually discovered that he will grumpily put up with a bit of adult brushing if then allowed to chew and suck on the brush afterwards. you do go through a lot of brushes quickly tho (the chewing buggers them). he's more willing if i brush my teeth at the same time and we do it in the mirror.

littleboyblue · 31/05/2008 15:02

Is it best to brush before or after breakfast?

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