Working Moms
Toddler Teeth Brushing Help
My DS was thrilled when we first introduced the toothbrush. Couldn't get enough of it. He brushed himself, he let me brush his teeth, it was wonderful. Now he is over it....so over it. When I show him the toothbrush he shakes his head no and runs away. I've tried getting in there to brush his teeth (he has about 10 teeth) but it turns into a crying production. I've tried it in the tub but all he does is dip the toothbrush in the tub water and suck the water to drink....gross. so I've stopped the bath tub brushing.
I've tried singing, new toothbrushes, charachter toothbrushes, a replica of my toothbrush everything...nothing works. I don't want his teeth to rot out of his head....
Any suggestions??? TIA!
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Re: Toddler Teeth Brushing Help
DD #1 passed away in January 2011 at 14 days old due to congenital heart disease
DD#2 lost in January 2012 at 23 weeks due to anhydramnios caused by a placental abruption
At first it worked to turn DS upside down (he would laugh). then we got some toddler toothpase, and that worked for a while. then I'd sit him on the counter and he'd look in the mirror, that worked for a while. then he started playing with the lightswitches while he sat on the counter, and that worked for a while. Then he would lay on the counter and play with the water, but that led to wet PJs and wet mommy. I'm trying to come up with a new distraction. If I really can't brush his teeth I try to wipe them with a washcloth (and get bitten). If all else fails I give him some water to drink and try again the next day.
Tooth brushing is a daily struggle in our house. DS has about 6 different tooth brushes. We've tried everything....manual, spin brushes, light up, and music playing. I let him pick which one he wants, we use his favorite "choo-choo" toothpaste. I sing silly songs, or brush my teeth alongside him..whatever it takes to get him to brush. He's either really into or or refuses to open his mouth depending on his mood. We just make sure he only drinks water after dinner and if I get one good sweep of his teeth with the toothbrush every night I'm happy.
I don't worry too much, although I guess I should. I took him to a pediatric dentist for his first checkup at 15 months ( he had about 10 teeth then). She told us that the number of 2 year olds that come in for their 1st checkup and have multiple cavities is growing. Then she said that toddlers are more likely to develop cavities on their front teeth and that's the brushing struggle is the worst for us.
Currently, I'm having a little better luck getting her to take an electronic toothbrush, but it's definitely a fight.