Need Advice About Brushing My 2 Yr Old Sons Teeth!!!

I started out by telling my son that we have to get all the cooties. I said in my best wicked witch voice "I'm going to get you cooties and your little dog too!" Now he thinks that we have to get the dogs out of his mouth too. I also let him try to brush first and then I do it after he has finished. It's also a nice way to practice taking turns. If he won't let me do it, I hold him down and force my way in. He hates it, but becaus of that I hardly have to do it.

I talked to my dentist about when I should bring my son in (he is also 2) and I was told that at this age they come in more to get used to sitting in the chair and whatnot. So, I decided to wait and I don't think it should be a problem as long as you are brushing well. You can also ask your pediatrician. He/she should be able to tell you if your son needs to see a dentist or not.

Hi A.! I have two children my son is 3 yrs old and my daughter is 12 mos old. As far as getting your son to brush his teeth I don't really have any advice for that. I've been brushing my kids teeth (gums) since they we're 4 months old. So I haven't really had any problems and I think it's just 'cuz they're used to it. When my son did show some resistance I just told him if he didn't let me brush his teeth he was going to get big owwies in his mouth and he had to let me get all the owwies out. That way if it hurt him at all I just told him it was because of the owwies in there and I just had to get them out so it wouldn't hurt anymore. My advice to you is- If you just started brushing your sons teeth 6 months ago I would definantley take him to the dentist! I have a 7 yr old and 5 yr old nephew who just went to the dentist for the first time last week. EVERY one of they're teeth are rotten. They have to get most of they're teeth pulled and they're getting baby root canals done on the rest- so they'll still have teeth to eat with. If one tooth has a cavity in it it will cause the rest to go bad. Plus hopefully your son won't have any cavities; That way his first experience with the dentist is a good one. My nephews will probably hate the dentist for the rest of their lives. I would hate for any other kids to go through what my nephews are.

At first my son liked brushing his teeth then, he lost interest. Before it became a battle, I got him one of those cool battery operated brushes and now he loves it again. Plus, I think it does a way better job to boot! Good luck! Know that anything you force they will fight you on....the best way is always to make it seem like it what they always wanted..their idea...keep it fun! L.

What we have done is told our son that we have to get the sugar bugs out and only a tooth brush can do it. We try to make it game like and to brush them all out. There have been times that he still fights it but we remind him that sugar bugs like to make holes in teeth and we have to get them out so that they can’t.
I think its normal for little ones to just suck on the brush. Most kids toothpaste/gels have sweet flavors, so what kid wouldn’t want to taste something sweet. Just make sure it is fluoride free. I like the Toms of Maine brand.
As for taking your little one to the dentist I have heard all different stories. One dentist said not to bring my guy in until he was FIVE while the pediatric dentist I take him to now said two. I ended up taking him in and he has seen the dentist twice once for the initial visit and the second for a cleaning. I do think seeing a pediatric dentist is best. They deal with children only and their offices are set up for the kids so that they feel safe and comfortable. I don’t think it was a waste of money for me because I am getting my son use to seeing a dentist, and I got some tips on how to brush and care for his teeth. Though they are just his baby teeth I figured that getting him on the right track of oral hygiene now will keep him from having problems with his adult teeth later

Hi A.,
My name is C. I am a Dental Assistant at a pediatric dental clinic and my answer to you question is YES he needs his teeth brushed atleast once a day to start. Try doing it for him. and then let him try his self, I can not tell you how many children between ages 1 1/2 and 2 yrs old who have cavities and poor oral health. Alot of times we think well they are young they will learn but the truth is what we dont see as parents the dentist does see. So yes brushing at this age is very important. Try to stay away from giving him candy but we all need sweets now and again so if you do stay away from gummy candies, like gummy worms and sweedish fish and those things, especially giving them soda. I hope i helped and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

hello, I am currently in school to become a dental hygienist. two year olds are difficult to say the least when it comes to dental care. I would suggest making sure that you attempt to brush his teeth at least once a day. perhaps leave out the toothpaste and try it with just the brush. if this doesn't work there are tooth wipes available that are grape flavored you can try or just try using a wet cloth on your finger to wipe his teeth clean. sometimes kids this age will respond well to those disposable electric toothbrushes, but it all depends on what he likes. You can also try to clean just the bottom teeth and then come back a little later and clean the top so that its not so much of an ordeal all at once. at this age most children will not sit still and open their mouth for a good toothbrushing session, so don't feel like you are doing a bad job.
As far as visiting the dentist, it is good to start you child in the habit of going to the dentist. we recommend around 12 months. pretty much they will do a meet and greet and just peak in at his teeth to make sure there are no signs of disease, abnormalities or early cavities. it is important to detect cavities in children early because in alot of cases they are reversible with a fluoride varnish treatment if they are found in the first stages, before the outer layer of enamel is broken down. It is also very important to get you child familiar with the dentist, so that they will be comfortable when it is time to start with their first dental cleanings. In the mean time you can prevent decay at home by making sure that your child is eating a healthy diet, full of fruits and vegetables and relatively free of sugary foods (beware of high frutose corn syrup as well in seemingly healthy foods), make sure to limit in between meal snacking and drinking milk at bedtime. Also if a sippy cup is given throughout the day for "at will" drinking, it should only be filled with water. Juice and milk can be given at meal times or if the child will finish it at one time. If you have any questions let me know I will be glad to help.

A.

I just went through the same thing with my two year old daughter. What I did was take a trip to the store and let her pick out a tooth brush and tooth paste herself, she seemed to like that. ( you have to pick out a few types of tooth pastes that are safe to swollow then let him pick from them) Then I let her stay in the bathroom every night when I was brushing and I just layed out her tooth brush and tooth paste on the counter by the sink and put her stool up by the sink, and eventualy she started doing it herself. I hope this helps!