Brushing Teeth

Mrs QF

My 13 month old didn't get her first tooth until she was 11 months old. Now she has 3 teeth. I have tried to "brush" them twice a day, but she has not allowed it. I mostly brush her tongue . I've tried letting her hold the toothbrush, watching me brush my teeth, sitting up, laying down, while playing in the bathtub, etc. Any suggestions?

StefiMarie

 Yep, baby toothpaste was the trick with my first!  With my second, we just started "gum brushing" at a month so now at 9 months she knows the drill!  ;-)

gracefulruby33

Yeah! You could try toothpaste like pp mentioned, but I ultimately have to hold DD down and she suffers through it, just like everything else that I have to confine her for- nail clipping, nose wiping, diaper changing, etc. :-/

kajordan09

Have you tried just using a wet washcloth? DS won't let me get a toothbrush near his mouth, but he doesn't mind if I rub his teeth/gums with a wet washcloth. Just watch your fingers

ally81698

Maybe start with putting toothpaste on that rubber toothbrush thinggy that goes on your finger and just get her used to that.  Then, work your way to a toothbrush - that's what we did. 

Netty_3

LO loves having his teeth brushed.  I made up a little song for it...he thinks it's hilarious, because I do it in different voices...maybe try singing a song with it.

bridetobe6808

I'm having the same challenge. LO is 13 months and WILL NOT let me brush her teeth. I use a wash cloth, but I also attempt to brush her teeth with the tooth brush too. I don't know what we are gonna do.

blu-eyedwife

I let my guy brush his own teeth.  I give him his while I'm brushing mine and we both brush together. Today he grabbed DH's brush off the counter and started using it to brush his teeth.

march2008

Sometimes DH and I tag team her when he's home - one of us will sing a goofy song or whatever to keep her entertained while the other one brushes. If I'm the only one home to do it, I try to find something interesting for her to hold (something she rarely gets to see) or I'll sing her a song - whatever works in the particular moment!