My daughter just turned 15 months old. She used to let me brush her teeth no problem and now she clenches her lips shut and won't let me no matter what i try. We got her a toothbrush of her own a while back and she liked to hold it and move it around in her mouth and then would let me use it or the little finger one on her..she was so good about it. Now i can't get her to let me...silly songs about brushing, distractions with letting her hold one of the disposable cups in the bathroom ...etc
any suggestions? She has 6 teeth on top and 6 on the bottem (went to dentist for first visit a few weeks ago..he said she's a little ahead of things in terms of teeth but everything is normal)
thanks so much for all your responses..we're going to try a few more things and see what happens. I don't want her to get cavities but I don't want to make a big fight either. You all gave me some good things to try so hopefully one of thems works! :) thanks again!
Toddlers love choices. Try having more then one toothbrush so she can choose. (We do this for my son) You could also try more then one flouride free tooth paste. Good luck!
The good news is at 15 months - it really doesn't matter! I remember going through this exactly. We did try an electric brush - which worked for about 2 days.lol.
Whatever you do - don't push it. Let her do it herself. It needs to stay fun. Let her do it and get at her level and brush your teeth with your mouth wide open. Let her see what you are doing and laugh and bop your head around and get all spitty and make a big deal out or rinsing and spitting. At the very least she will be probably be into that and even a little rinse is better then no brushing at all. Let her brush your teeth then it's your turn to help her.
And if she still is fighting it - drop it. Better to have a 15 month old who won't brush then a 2 - 3- or 4 year old that has been traumatized by having a parent try to force a toothbrush into their mouth.
This is just a phase. If you don't push it, but she sees how much fun mommy and daddy are having when they brush their teeth a couple times a day - she'll get curious.
good luck!
I do the exact same thing as Michelle because my 2yr old hates having his teeth brushed he no longer yells and screams and cries like he used to. After his bath I wrap him tightly in his towel and lay him on the floor and brush his teeth I get a good look at his teeth that way and its harder for him to fight and when he does he is so tired from the being angry about it he goes right to sleep at night. I do let him brush his own in the morning w/ his older brother. Evan stands on his step stool and brushes but I like to do a thorough job at night I know a few people that have toddlers w/ cavities and its not fun so I do anything I can to prevent it. If your daughter isn't letting you brush her teeth well stay away from sweet foods and don't give her milk close to bedtime. I agree w/ Jessica about the molars my son was terrible w/ both his canine teeth and his 2yr molars he wouldn't eat you couldn't get near his mouth he chewed on a cold wash cloth so I just rubbed that over his teeth while they were coming in which seemed to work. My son did have a little bit easier time w/ brushing after I brought him to the store and let him pick his tooth brush and toothpaste. He has a Thomas one that plays music.
My now 2 1/2 year old was always a problem. He would clench his mouth closed, and there's really no way to make them open it, right?! The only thing that worked for us was while he was "brushing" with his own toothbrush, I would stick another one in there and brush away. Now, he's a great brusher, but we still take turns - first him, then me. Good luck!
If shes ahead, she may be getting molars, which hurt to brush. I sit my son on the edge of the sink and let him play with the water, toothpaste tube...anything. If that doesn't work, try brushing her teeth while shes standing up in her crib... that's what i used to do with my son. Some mothers suggest an electric tooth brush, but my son was terrified of it. Other kids love the vibration.
It will pass eventually. Her teeth won't fall out from not being brushed as well here and there. Also, try a wet wash cloth just for now before bed if she totally refuses...just watch your fingers! Good luck!
PS I never said "skip" brushing. AS long as shes not drinking sugary juice, or other sugar filled things, she shouldn't be getting cavities any time soon and should be able to get away with a quick brush/wipe down and/or rinse. :-)
Hi L.,
My little guy also 15 months now used to give me a hard time too. (still doesn't love the whole routine but it has to be done) My trick is that I lay him on the bathroom floor (on rug) and brush in that position. I use the Gerber tooth & gum cleanser (apple & banana flavor) and he kind of likes the flavor so that helps. GOOD LUCK! p.s. I just read the other responses and I disagree that you don't have to brush! You don't want your baby getting cavities (that will be more traumatic ) my now 8 yr old had a cavity before he was 2. You want to teach them young that tooth brushing is an important part of life that can't be skipped!
I went thru the same thing with my son. I went out and bought him a spiderman automatic toothbrush and he loves it! Not to mention that it cleans his teeth better, they have some really cute character ones, good luck!
