13 month old daughter will not let me brush her teeth.

[Beccybw]

We're having real problems brushing our 13 month old daughters teeth. She really screams and fights us, so we have to pin her down which is awful. Our Health visitor said brushing her teeth isn't that important at the mo, as there just milk teeth. But my dentist said its really important that we brush them, even if we have to pin her down. What do other people do?

I pinned her down when needed and just ignored the screaming and protests. It was one of a few non optionals for us. Milk teeth are important, my understanding is that decay on milk teeth can effect adult teeth even at this stage in life. Furthermore I think it's a good habit to form. Worth saying we don't have to pin her down any longer(!) at 27 months.
There'll be quite a few things like this - our current one is bottom wiping (potty training). Again, non optional, although easier when they're older as at least we can explain the logic

We also struggled and had to pin down. Then I started getting some success with singing to her.... Err... You may use my song if you like.... Don't laugh...

This is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth.
This is the way we brush our teeth to keep them shiny and clean.

This is the way we rub-a-dub-dub, (pause here whilst DD repeats dub-dub because she likes the sound, it's the only reason I put this bit in) rub-a-dub-dub, rub-a dub-dub. This is the way we run-a-dub-dub to keep them shiny and clean....

.... There are more verses but I'm sure you get the idea....

Then at the end she gets a big twirl round. It's not infallible but did start her getting a bit more relaxed about the whole thing as she knew what was coming.

I bought DS a toddler electric toothbrush with flashing lights. It's made a huge difference, he's gone from screaming to willing. Also you can try different toothpastes. DS only like proper adult minty stuff, he goes nutty if I try anything different. When DD was little it was the oppsite.

My DD is also 13 months and not overly keen on having her teeth cleaned. In the mornings it is usually her being pinned down or tickled so she giggles and having a quick swipe. In the evenings, when she has a bath, we give her the brush and clean our teeth in front of her so she tries to copies and chews on her brush before I have a quick go. I'm not convinced it is overly thorough but she enjoys doing it now and it isn't a battle. As she gets more teeth through, I'll start to be a bit more determined.

I got a set of brushes. One for me and a little one for her. That helped. Or headlock!

Oh yes and the less embarrassing thing is let your DD see you do your teeth. We still give 22 mo DD her toothbrush when we do ours in the morning. She has a chew. I wouldnt say she cleans them herself but it seemed to help get her happier with having a toothbrush in her mouth.