Toddler Toothbrushing Tips

marcuej

Stella is going through a stage where she hates to have her teeth brushed.  It's an ordeal every day and it's driving me and DH crazy.  We've tried brushing her dolls teeth first.  We've tried making it a game by calling it "tickle teeth time".  We don't know what else to try.  Any suggestions?  TIA!

MrsKolasa

We don't brush Luke's teeth in the bathroom cause for whatever reason, it went horribly everytime we tried.

So- now we brush his teeth when he's sitting in his highchair and sing the Raffi song about brushing your teeth. We also let him start brushing and then we brush after he's done.

 

muppet.fan

Ugh, Elizabeth goes through those stages too -- right now, the only thing that works is singing the ABC song while we brush.

She usually sings along, which works out OK since it means her mouth is open. The song is long enough that I can get at all her teeth and she knows the torture is over when we get to the "Now I know my ABCs..."

amberleeb

Have you tired one of those toddler toothbrushes that plays music when you brush.  I think they are made by oral b.

marcuej

amberleeb:

Have you tired one of those toddler toothbrushes that plays music when you brush.  I think they are made by oral b.

 Ooh, that's a good idea. She would probably dig that.  I should also try the alphabet trick.  Singing and music might be the key!

may5706bride

We recently got him an electric thomas brush. Best $3 i ever spent! Hes been asking to brush his teeth! He resisted alit before this, and honestly it brushes muuuch better than I was ever able to do. We sing twinkle twinkle 2x which is 2 min

Radler

Sometimes I brush my teeth with him -- he loves that, and brushes his teeth "himself" beside me, then lets me finish for him.

Someone on here once recommended sitting the toddler in your lap and leaning them backwards so their head tips back a little. (Hard to describe, but try it.) For some reason, it works! He opens his mouth and I can brush pretty well without a protest from him.  

Magoy

Radler:

Someone on here once recommended sitting the toddler in your lap and leaning them backwards so their head tips back a little. (Hard to describe, but try it.) For some reason, it works! He opens his mouth and I can brush pretty well without a protest from him.  

This is exactly what we do.  I sit on my bed and I pin one arm behind my back then I kind of cradle her back and hold the other arm (and sometimes her outside leg.)  She's a fighter!  She's much better about opening her mouth now and doesn't mind her bottom teeth being brushed, but she doesn't like the top.  She kicks a lot, but this is the best way for us to get it done.  At least she's not screaming and biting down on the toothbrush like she used to!  

I also sing and that helps.  

When we're done she gets to brush her teeth in the mirror.  She likes to watch herself, but she doesn't get a whole lot of actual brushing done!  

And I only fight her once a day.  In the mornings, she gets to brush her teeth by herself when I brush mine.  We save the fight for before bedtime.  No reason to start the day of like that!  But, nighttime isn't negotiable.   

MonkeysGirl05

Ugh! I wish I had some tips for you. Henry HATES having his teeth brushed. It is a battle every night. I've tried most of these things, but I don't have a musical brush. I guess I'll try that next. Thanks for posting!

marcuej

I went out on my break and bought one of those mechanical timer toothbrushes.  It came with stickers so you can decorate it yourself.  I think she'll love that part!  Wish me luck. 

scally

We have an Elmo goes to the dentist book, that we got to prepare her for the dentist.  It also helps us by reading and hearing Elmo talk about brushing his teeth and then going into the bathroom to brush hers.  Seems to be working thus far.

Good luck!