Toddlers: 24 Months+
moonyeyed
member
Daily Struggle: Teeth Brushing
moonyeyed
member
My LO is now 26 months but he still refuses to brush his teeth. Before he turned two and when he had fewer teeth (before his molars started popping out) he was fine with us brushing his teeth. But now he refuses all the time! We always have a fight and he will cry and wriggle his way out.
I've tried organic toothpastes, dental wipes and even bubble gum flavored toothpaste but he still refuses to brush his teeth, hold a toothbrush or to let us help him. I do think he may have sensitive gums, because one time I brushed his teeth with a baby's toothbrush and it bled
any suggestions on how I can help him?
I've tried organic toothpastes, dental wipes and even bubble gum flavored toothpaste but he still refuses to brush his teeth, hold a toothbrush or to let us help him. I do think he may have sensitive gums, because one time I brushed his teeth with a baby's toothbrush and it bled
any suggestions on how I can help him? Best Answers
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ashiscute member
Have you taken him to a dentist yet? We went to the dentist last month and for DS (will be 2 in a few weeks) we were told to brush twice a day with flouride toothpaste. Not to let him brush but for us to brush for him. And then floss his teeth once a day. We have a separate toothbrush that he is allowed to brush his teeth with.A lot of people do videos and songs and different things to get their LOs interested but for me this is not something you really compromise on. He either lets you brush or you don't give him the choice. I would let him pick out his toothbrush and toothpaste. Then I'd let him pick where you brush his teeth. But the actual choice of brushing is not his. Good luck. -
FabulousMrs.P member
Have you tried letting him "brush" your teeth (with your toothbrush of course.)? I would let her "brush" my teeth and then I would brush her teeth. Also is he getting a tooth? I know my DD didn't want her teeth brushed when she was getting a tooth. I think everything was too sensitive.
Another thing...let him pick out his toothbrush. MY DD is excited to use her toothbrush because it was one she picked out.
After 2 years of TTC, our daughter was born on Oct 31, 2011!
7lbs 13oz 20 inches long
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I know I was horrified when they told us that but it's actually going well. They recommend those kids flossers from Dentek. They are bright colors and easy to hold. We only floss the teeth that are touching. The kids lay down in bed and it takes 2 seconds.Nicb13 said:
Flossing?! How is that??ashiscute said:Have you taken him to a dentist yet? We went to the dentist last month and for DS (will be 2 in a few weeks) we were told to brush twice a day with flouride toothpaste. Not to let him brush but for us to brush for him. And then floss his teeth once a day. We have a separate toothbrush that he is allowed to brush his teeth with.A lot of people do videos and songs and different things to get their LOs interested but for me this is not something you really compromise on. He either lets you brush or you don't give him the choice. I would let him pick out his toothbrush and toothpaste. Then I'd let him pick where you brush his teeth. But the actual choice of brushing is not his. Good luck. -
dunlapbriggs member
My DS has always tried to fight me on teeth brushing. We have a pretty good routine now - not perfect, but it works for us: I put him up on the big potty (with his insert) and we watch elmo's teeth brushing video while I brush his teeth, then when I am done he can brush them more on his own. Am I happy I have to physically trap him on the toilet and bribe him with videos? No - but there are no tears and his teeth are clean - so we are both happy. -
SusieBW member
DD is mostly good about brushing her teeth, but on the days she fights it, I tell her fine, don't brush them and you can go to school and be the stinky kid with smelly breath. She ALWAYS brushes them after that. I also told her that she has to brush them to get the food monsters off, because food monsters (which are obviously left behind by food she eats) will try and eat her teeth if she doesn't brush them all away before bed.
Yup, shame and fear. I'm an awesome parent.
This discussion has been closed.
Answers
I will surely try singing songs to him from now on, it's good that he likes Elmo and I found a video on YouTube about brushing teeth. So we'll surely try that. I also found some Elmo books for brushing teeth, I'm going to buy that too. On my next off from work I'll bring him to the stores to pick up a new toothbrush. The only letdown is, we live in Singapore and there's really not a lot of choices compared to the US. But we'll go hunt for a new one!
Thanks!