Grandmother Seeking Advice for Mother Dealing with Brushing a Toddler's Teeth

Mine is 21 months and did the same thing. The electric toothbrushes worked for us. My daughter thinks they are very fun and grown up to use so she actually does a pretty good job herself because the electric ones do the job for you.

Oh my, have I experienced the same thing. My son did that- until I allowed him to brush his own teeth for awhile. This allowed him to control the pressure and how long he brushed. Of course, I got in there and brushed them a bit more thoroughly (to his anguish). But, he built up tolerance and now takes brushing much easier. Also, try allowing her to choose their own brush at the store. They have fancy princess, music and battery operated ones too. The dentist told me that my sons' teeth would be fine. And we just had his 3 yr old check up- and got a clean bill of healthy teeth. Hang in there.
By the way, my daugther and other son always loved to brush their teeth. No problems. Every kid is different.

I first give my 3 year old son the toothbrush and let him start. Then say "my turn" and I pretend I am tickleing his teeth. He laughs and cooperates as long as it takes.

I have a two year old who pitches a complete fit about it as well. The best success we've had is getting him the Thomas toothpaste and one of the kiddie disposable electric toothbrushes. The disposable electrics say not to use before 3 years, but my son really likes it and has control over it. It's still hard to get him to brush well and all the time, but that has made it better. We also bring him into our bathroom to brush his teeth while we're brushing our teeth with our electric toothbrush -that way he feels like he'd doing something just like mommy or daddy.

My guy is 14 months old. He loves brushing his teeth. The way we got him to do that was several things working together:
Got him a cute toddler toothbrush with baby sefe flouride free toothpaste.
Made a game out of it. At first we didn't care if we got a tooth clean, it was mostly gettin him used to the idea.

I would start brushing my teeth first and leave my brush in my mouth and then start brushing him so that we did it together.

I get excited about it like it is a treat to get to brush teethies.

Sometimes do it while he is in the bathtub.

Good luck, if all else fails start with a washcloth.

I took my children to the dentist at an early age like 3 yrs old except one I have to take at 18months when he fell and bumped his two front teeth making them loose. While at the dentist they advised me to let the little ones brush their own teeth and then tell them mommy has to help after they are done since it looks like they missed a few teeth. Yes, it takes longer and yes sometimes they get upset but they told me even if the child can really brush their teeth and they do their own version of it they feel as if they are in some control. A parent or an adult helping actually doing it after them many times makes them accept the idea better and helps then dentist many times have a child in their office that is not so afraid of them. Imagine someones doing all of your care and you never getting any control over it or getting a chance to try?? when you involve them many times it can make all the difference in the world to them as it would to you as well.

There are also so many books at many age levels that you can get to show pictures and you can talk about it on their level.
I also suggest getting the tooth paste that they can swallow and maybe even letting them pick out their own tooth brush make sure it's one that is soft and for their age level which is listed at the top of the pack.

I have been told and have observed that this can either be made into something fun or a struggle it's all in the approach in which we make it. I also understand that a mirror she can look into and sitting at the kitchen table many times works better for some children it's out of the bathroom where they experienced getting ready to scream and dislike this process, so changing up the process and keeping at it many times helps them with the change.

Best of luck to you and even at an early age you may want her to take a visit at the dentist office.

I have a 2 1/2 year old who fortunately likes to brush her teeth. However, I did let her pick out her own toothbrush and toothpaste. I don't know if your daughter has tried that, but if not, it may be worth a shot. Good luck!

I am a dental hygienist and I get this question from parents all the time. I always suggest making toothbrushing a game...I suggest using disclosing tablets (ask for them at your local pharmacy). These tablets highlight the plaque in your mouth. The key is...the child has to brush YOUR teeth and you brush his/her teeth. Whoever brushes away all the blue plaque wins. This encourages better brushing and eventually they want to do their own.

As with all 2 year olds, some times my boy is an angel, and sometime he is the devil. Brushing his teeth is the same way. I have done all the things listed here, and they help. I have also tried letting him choose which parent brushes them after he does. Usually I go in the bathroom with him while he brushes, then he calls for Daddy to come finish. Sometimes, when he is in a playful mood, I'll hold his hands and sing "If You're Happy and you Know It" or some other such thing with motions while his daddy brushes.

But, with all this said, there are still days that I just have to hold him down and go for it. Hey, at least when he is screaming I can really get those back teeth well!

I had to deal with this for a while myself! My now 3.5 yr old does a lot better with it. I allow her to pick out her own toothpaste, brush and even special little cups for her to rinse with. This gives her 'control' and makes it a little more exciting. I also let her brush first and then I brush them by saying ok, now its Mommy's turn to just check and make sure you got all the yucky's out:) While doing this I usually sing the ABC's or some other cute/silly song. Sing it really slowly so you get a good brushing. This phase got a lot better after visiting the dentist. Be sure its a good one and theres no pressure. Make it as fun as possible and it will get better soon:) Best of luck!

My 2 1/2 year old does the same thing. I do tell her this is something that is NOT negotiable. I also let her pick out her favorite toothbrush ( she just got a Barbie one) and also use the Thomas the Tank Engine Training toothpaste because she loves Thomas. I have also made up songs about brushing teeth to a song she likes to sing.
Sometimes get her to say the vowels of the alphabet to get her to open or close her mouth just right. A long EEEEEEEEE is good to get the front teeth. AHH is good to get in the back.
Good Luck It is hard! I have put her in time out when she starts to get wild and screams. I let her calm down and then start again.