Brushing Toddlers Teeth

Try using a finger cot made of a terry cloth material. I got mine from my dentist. I just wet it with warm water and gently brush my 14 month old son's teeth with that. I find you can get in their mouth better with that vs. a traditional little brush. I hope that helps!

We went to the dentist and my son liked the eletric brush that she used so we bought him the crest spin brush. He likes it and we entise him more when we have him suck the cool water at the end as part of the brushing routine. We use Dora tooth paste.

I used the "copy me" method. worked quite well for my daughter and I. Maybe Dad can get a little involved? Who couldn't use an extra brushing?
good luck ;)

My husband and I read books to our daughter while brushing her teeth and it seems to distract her. She already had to get two fillings in her back molars (she is 2 1/2) - our dentist said it was due to genetics (soft teeth) but we are now extra careful when brushing to make sure we get them all. So, the reading of books, bringing in of pets as an audience (let's show Pedro how you brush your teeth!) and sometimes singing helps - but hey, I know people that have to sit on their kids to get them to brush too, so hey, we do what we can!
Good luck!
S.

J.,
My daughter also does not like having her teeth brushed, but likes doing it (poorly) herself. So, we have a toy she is only allowed to hold while I brush her teeth and she gets a turn as soon as I'm done. So far, it's working. Hopefully it can help you!

My ped told me when we were having problems to take a clean boiled wash cloth to be sure that all the soap is out and other impurieties and then rinse it with cool water and rub his teeth with it like you would a tooth brush he should find it soothing.

We "chase" the sugar monsters in my son's mouth. I have him open wide and yell out all the different color monsters I see and chase them around his mouth with the toothbrush. Being as silly as can be works like a charm!

E.

There are a couple of things I have either tried or heard about working to get those choppers clean. First, getting him involved in the process is key. Let him pick out a cool new toothbrush (maybe one of those battery-op ones with a timer to let you know how long you need to brush or music) and only let him use it if he is being cooperative. If money is an issue, play music (2 minute song) and have him try to get all his teeth brushed before the song ends. I even sometimes just sing for 2 minutes.

Another way to go is incentives (ie. bribes) but food items are probably out. My son loved to get an extra story before bed for being cooperative with toothbrushing.

Hope some of that helps.

Hi J.,
Have you tried a character electric toothbrush? That worked at times for us. Also, find a great pediactric dentist in your area. I struggled with my (now) 3 yr. old until we went to the dentist and he told her that mommy or daddy needs to brush her teeth before or after she does. You can still promote their growing independence while being sure his teeth are properly cleaned. I also, at times, played games with her and told her I saw a zebra in her mouth or Little Bear and Owl, etc. She would laugh and let me get in there with the toothbrush to get them out. Good luck!

I have been told that a washcloth is more effective - rubbed gently on their teeth - than chewing the toothbrush. It's worth a try! Plaque is unusual in young children...I'd also give a call to a dentist.

We got character electric toothbrushes, and that made a big difference. Chewing isn't going to get near the gum line, but with that spinning around in his mouth, they will get cleaner, then you do a quick finish job, inspection is what we call mommy or daddy's turn, then pile the praise on.

My older two have both gone through this stage. I let the kids "brush" their own teeth, and then I "check" them (brush them myself). When I do it I look in their mouth, then say something like, "Hey! Is that an alligator in there? Whoa, I better get him!" They think this is hilarious and gladly open up their mouths for me to chase the animal out.

Also, our dentist told our oldest (who is now 5), that she should brush and then let mom or dad check it afterward until she is able to tie her own shoes. So, just in case you're wondering when they're ready to do it on their own, that's his recommendation.

Good luck!

Hi, I am a dental hygienist and pleased that you are concerned with the health of your son's teeth at an early age. Yes, those teeth will fall out, but will not begin to fall out till the approx. age of 6yrs to the age of 11-12 yrs. Not only will those teeth help your child chew, but also aid in speech, appearance and maintain necessary spacing for his permanent teeth. If it is difficult to brush, use a soft moist cloth, also there are many different types of brushing aids for young children. You do not need to use toothpaste, just wiping will reduce the plaque. Good luck with brushing and with the soon to be arrive of your second child. M.

Have you tried modeling toothbrushing and have him copy you? This worked with my daughter. Plaque build up is not good for your gums...yes they are baby teeth and will fall out, but the concerns really with plaque is gum disease. We also sing a song as we do it together and I make it fun. When we are done we look in the mirror and talk about how pretty they look and see how they sparkle. I also tell her when she is being stubborn that not brushing your teeth is not a choice, it is like pooping, eating and sleeping, you have to do it everyday to make you healthy and strong...she gets that and knows it is important. I also have a rule that I get a turn to brush her teeth at night before bed. Good luck!

We get goofy with our kids, and say stuff like, "uh-oh, I see a camel in there, let me get that stinky camel! - now there's an elephant way in the back, aaaah, quick, let's get him before he escapes! - aww, look at that cute little baby zebra, let's clean him up for his mommy so he doesn't get mistaken for a water buffalo!" Stuff like that, the goofier the better, always works to get them to let us brush their teeth without a fight. They usually just start giggling so much that we are able to get in their mouths and brush. The trick is to keep finding other animals that need to be either removed or taken care of so the fun continues the whole time.

We've been doing that for years, and it still works!

Hi, I denstist says that when our daughter can tie her shoe that we can stop helping brush her teeth. My son always let us help, but my daughter can be more of a challenge. I basically told my daughter that she can brush in the morning and I get to brush them at night for her. We also talk about foods she eats and that when she eats anything sweet we talk about how well her teeth need to be brushed. She is more willing to have my help! I was a nut about her teeth, so I kept at it and she is easy now. The baby teeth do need to be cared for even though they fall out. They can effect the teeth underneath. It also helps to take them with you to the dentist and have them sit in the chair and have their teeth counted. PLUS, have the dentist tell them they need to let mommy help brush their teeth twice a day! Good Luck, Liz

What I have done with my son is let him "brush" my teeth while I am brushing his teeth. We have also done the songs and games. Aside from caring for your gums, I have been told that baby teeth "hold the place" for when the adult teeth come in. Also, when the time comes, you may want to consider a childrens dentist. I only mention this because it made a world of difference for my son.

I love all of the suggestions to help brushing be more effective and fun. I also think its important to visit a ped dentist early and often. I have 3 daughters who have had early childhood caries. They had deep cavities as early as 2years old. I highly recommend Dr. Anna Kalmanovich at Today's Dental of Boxborough. Her number is ###-###-####. If she isn't close enough find another pediatric dentist with a kind manner with children. All of my children trust and love her. Don't wait.

J.

My daughter is 21 months as well, and we have a pretty good routine set up for brushing teeth. First we have a fun character toothbrush (she actually got a Dora toothbrush as a "potty prize" recently) and the toddler toothpaste, and she has a special stool she stands on. Then she gets to choose a song and we sing to her (reminding her every so often that she needs to open or say "ahhh" for back teeth or "eeee" for the front teeth). I'm sure we don't sing for 2 minutes (at first we just tried to get her to let us brush for a 10 count) but at least we're doing some brushing!

After the song is over, she gets to "brush on her own." She loves getting the brush wet in the running water. Usually we brush our teeth while she brushes hers (watch out--they love to get the brush wet just as we spit!) and we all "rinse and tap" together.

It's taken a while to get to this point, and we don't always remember, but the routine helps! :) Good luck! :)

Hi, I used to (with my youngest & more 'fiesty' of my 2 boys) actually hold his mouth open with my fingers with one hand (thumb holding down bottom teeth & pointer finger holding up top teeth)while brushing w/the other hand. I don't have to do this at all anymore, but he was so difficult & sorry, but you HAVE to brush your teeth! Quick, easy & painless for both parties. He may not like it at first, but you're not hurting him in anyway. And you're stronger & he has to learn Mommy is the boss. =0) That worked for about 2 weeks when he decided he could open his mouth like a good boy all on his own! It is just as important to keep the baby teeth healthy - like the adult. So use your fingers like a jack for a tire change & a nice soft brush & just a small dab of paste (we liked little bear's kind ... ) & brush away ... and WAY quicker ... & get rid of the fuzzies! I tell him I'll brush for him first then he can have a turn (ensures all spots brushed). I also sing a song (still do with my boys now at 5 1/2 & 3 1/2 yrs old)- a good song is Laurie Berkner's "Let's Go Swimming" - they sing about teeth brushing in there ...s o cute! Good luck!

My 11 mos old loves the electric toothbrush. He has wanted to use it since before he had teeth. They do a better job, even in the hands of an amateur, and he would enjoy picking out a special kid brush. They are only $5. Try it out.

I have a 24 month old that didn't really let me brush his teeth well. We bought him a fun electric toothbrush( the ones you throw away, not replaceable heads). We tell him we do it first, then when I'm done I let him brush them. This has helped us alot. When we go to replace the toothbrush we let him pick it out, too. Good luck..hope it helps!

My dentist suggested using a baby washcloth (v. thin terry) to wipe them down. I pretend there are 'monsters' in there that we get out when we wipe them. I think the bristles, even on a super soft baby toothbrush, are an unusual (and maybe painful with teething?) sensation for them.
I also just learned that fluoride toothpaste shouldn't be used until they are older! I'd been letting him suck on a teeny bit twice a day on his toothbrush... now we have the non-fluoride kind.
good luck!

J.-
I have two 21 month old boys. We have a few tricks (some for one and some for the other). The one who doesn't like to open his mouth will open it if I let him use my toothbrush to brush my teeth while I brush his. The other thing I do is to give him a turn to brush first then I make up a little song about how now it's mommy's turn to brush and I count to 3 and he'll usually give me a turn too. Of course there are also nights that it doesn't go too well also but mostly these things have worked for us.

Hope you find your solution too. Best wishes.

:) J.

it is just as important to make sure you take care of the baby teeth. He will need them for about the next ten years. Try a battery operated brush. they tend to do more in the same amount of time, and he may think its more of a game. have you taken him to the dentist for a check up? that is always a good idea so he gets used to going. you can use a little baking soda mixed with water in order to keep the plaque under control. try to make a game out of brushing time, sing songs ect. good luck

my new technique with my 2 year..."can mama ticle your teethies? tickle tickle tickle...open big big big so i can tickle them good!" be silly about it..and if all else fails, my oldest i used to lay on the hall floor and "sit" on her, holding her arms between my knees, and brush away, sounds mean, but it gets the job done!