Gentle toothbrushing solutions for toddler

GrayGhost13 · April 2012

We try to brush DS' teeth before bed every night but it's getting increasingly difficult and I'd love some fresh ideas.

We brushed him with the rubber finger brush for a long time, but he kept biting with increasing strength, so we switched to a regular (toddler-size) toothbrush. We use plain water, no toothpaste. We've tried letting him hold the brush and "brush" himself and pretending to let him brush our teeth. He likes both of those things, but as soon as we try to brush him (or guide his hand to help him brush correctly) he starts shrieking and it turns into a kicking, screaming tantrum. Since this is one of the last things we do before bed, the tantrums are really interfering with getting him calmed down and ready to go to sleep.

Most of the suggestions I've read are to just hold them down and do it quick, since toothbrushing is really important, but I really, really hate doing it, and I can't help but feel it's impacting his readiness to sleep. Does anyone have any gentle, force-free techniques for getting him to accept toothbrushing? TIA!

TiffanyBerry · April 2012

We did much the same thing - let her play with using a toothbrush for a while, let her try brushing ours. I kept asking if we could help her, and it wasn't until 18 months (give or take) that she would let us. Even then, it's not uber effective, but it's a little better. I don't push it super hard, and get what we can. I KNEW she'd be very sensitive about fingers in her mouth, as we had to go through OT and PT for BF'ing when she was a newborn, and I'd MUCH rather have her associate a good fun time with the habit (getting out the toothbrush and trying) than having a long term general displeasure at the idea of toothbrushing.

mmmhilary · April 2012

We had a hard time until we got an electric toothbrush. That made it a bit more fun for him. He was also better AFTER we went to he dentist. Go figure.

rosiemomma · April 2012

I used 'naomi aldorts power game' it is basically a technique where you let your kid win, I was struggling with this and didn't like forcing my daughter she would just fight it more so I started chasing her around asking her to brush her teeth, she runs away screeching and laughing I say "OH noooooo!!! she is getting away!" I get really close and act like I almost caught her than I let her escape and say "Oh noooo!"

Honestly when i first started this I didn't follow through, Naomi says you must let the kid end the game, they have to win or else it doesn't work... once I started letting her win it go so much easier... now she brushes her teeth after a few minutes of the game.

more here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8C7XW8-***

nosoup4u · April 2012

We would let him watch a YouTube video of a Sesame Street skit while we brushed DS1's teeth when he was smaller. We eventually just stopped, bc he was used to it.

Also, my kids' dentist recommends "a smear" of toothpaste for my 18-month-old. I would start using it with your DS if he hates getting his teeth brushed that much, quite frankly.

StrawberryAlarmClock · April 2012

This probably won't help you because he's already created a negative association to brushing. I name his teeth: bottom teeth are crocodile teeth and he has to streeeeeetch his mouth open for me to get them. Top teeth are alligator teeth. Front teeth are tiger teeth and he growls, "baring" his teeth for me to brush them. I also "wash" his teeth in the tub with a clean baby washcloth over my finger and clear, cool water so if we miss spots or he's having an off day I don't worry about it much. I'm interested in this letting the kid win game. Gotta watch that video.