Help with Brushing Teeth

Hi there. I went just went through the exact same thing with our daughter and funny enough, she is 16 months too. I would let her try it, sing, bounce, show her, everything and like you I was just so worried about it being a problem so I jumped on line and an expert said, there is a time to be super nice happy Mommy and then there is a time to be the Mother and make important things get done! And you know what, she is right. This was her advice...

After the songs and the begging, do this. Sit on the couch or chair with your child in your lap facing the same way you are. Wrap one of your legs over thier lap to prevent wiggling away, Use one of your arms across the chest to help hold their top part, or use your hand to hold their forehead so they will be still. (It sounds a little rough, but you just need to take away the wiggle room, not wrestle them to the floor, LOL)

Then take a Toddler Toothbrush, the finger kind are not as easy for you to use anymore. Stick it in their mouth, from one side of the cheek, bristle side facing out to kinda force it in there and then start brushing. The entire brushing should be for less than one minute. Not 2 whole minutes like adults.

Not only did this work for us, but I only had to do her this way for 2 nights, because after that, she knew that when I had the toothbrush, Mommy meant business and all the running and fussing was useless. =)

I hope this helps you. I know it sounds harsh, when I first read it I was like "Yeah Right Lady", but really I didn't have to be rough to hold her this way and like I said, I only had to do it for 2 oe 3 nights. So good luck cleaning those toofies. (Believe me I have a 15 yr. old and paying $5,000.00 out of pocket for Braces he won't take care of properly is no picnic either so keep thart in mind if you get discouraged. LOL

1 mom found this helpful

I have a almost 4 year old and we had them same issue. I told her she had little bugs in her mouth called germs and the germs wanted to eat her teeth. I told her her pretty little teeth would turn black and fall out eventually...plus they would start hurting too. I know that sounds harsh but it is all true and it got her attention. Somrtimes we still have a little struggle but it is either cause she is tired or wants to do it her self. I let her start but I always makesure we got all the germs. Good luck!!! K.

When my children were her age, they had already seen a dentist. I let them both know that if they didn't take care of their teeth, they would rot out of their heads. I told that their breath would stink and people would call them bad names. A few times I did have to make them come brush their teeth. I put my foot down and didn't give them the option. It was NOT up for discussion or for me to chase them around the house.

Here's how we do it. Toddler gets to "brush teeth" any way he wishes while we brush our teeth the right way at the same time. Then we "check teeth" by going over the teeth thoroughly and quickly the "right way" If they are all done nicely, then he gets a reward...a piece of dental floss to mess with while I floss my teeth. When done I praise child for doing such a good job. Then we throw away floss and store away brushes. Caught my little guy tapping out the toothbrush just like me :) Keep on trying with them. They'll get it!

When my youngest wants to be independent and brush her own teeth (or at least hold the toothbrush), I let her--but she still has to have my help. That is, I let her hold the toothbrush and then I hold my hand over hers to brush her teeth. This also helps her learn the motions for brushing.

Have you tried an electric toothbrush, one with a cartoon figure on it. You might get one also, when you use it the first time let your child see you do it. Laugh and giggle while you do. It may be something that she wants to try, worth the try anyway. Good luck.

my daughter is now two and we have had this battle for quite some time. Sometimes she responds well with the offer of a sticker. It usually works. Also I have to remember to let her have some time brushing her teeth on her own before I finish the job. Usually I brush my teeth with her and then when I'm done it's time for shayla to help mommy brush shaylas teeth. I have to show her the sticker and remind her that if she cooperates and let's mommy finish brushing shaylas teeth then she can choose a sticker. Most of the time this works. But we have had some battles as well. Good luck. Mostly I think it Is an expression of independence, which is why allowing her enough time to brush on her own is an important aspect.

At that age I would tell my son that I was going to do it first and then I would give him the brush to do it himself. It was a fight the first time or two till he caught on that he would be given the brush afterward. Now at 21 months I give him the brush first and then just tell him that it is my turn and he lets me do it no problem. So maybe try letting her be involved and see if that works:) Best of luck!

Two suggestions that haven't been mentioned yet that I've used are 1) let her pick a favorite song for you to sing while you brush and when it is done, toothbrushing is done. That helps her be able to anticipate a finish to this unpleasant activity. Give her a break to swallow between brushing top and bottom if needed.
2) try a vibrating toothbrush--sometimes it makes it more fun and also cleans well!

Good luck!

There are a few things in our household that are non-negotiable...teeth brushing is one of them. I thought I would avoid a lot of the struggles by starting regular gum cleaning when she was just a few months old. Maybe it has helped some, but we don't avoid every confrontation.

It DOES sound like this is important to you. 16 month olds can't understand overly complicated logic. This is the time when you just say "this is what we do" or "it is time to brush our teeth". I heap lots of praise when there is little or no struggle, but am very neutral when there is one.

Buy fluoride free toothpaste and let her eat the first brushful. Trust me, it won't be long before she gets into the spitting! She gets a turn and then you get to finish. Use your instincts...some days it just isn't worth the fight.

Hi T.,

I always tell my daughter that I brush her teeth first and then she gets to after I finish. I also have a stool that she stands on and she can see herself in the mirror. 16 months is young for her to understand the importance of this, so just try your best. Maybe sing a song while you do it. Try to distract her. Good luck!!

I have no advice....it is rough. Trying to brush a toddlers teeth is like trying to put a cat in a bag! Best of luck!

Hi T.,

There's no easy way to get these kids to brush and get used to practicing good oral hygiene. We have 3 (ages 16months thru 12years) and they all give us problems. What you have to worry about though is the high risk of caries (cavities) in such a young age. Those 'cookie bugs' have so much to eat on her teeth due to food and sugars stuck in between teeth and gums. I guess you have to ask yourself if you want to fight with her now or have her 'put under' so she can get her cavities filled. Speaking from experience (and this will not happen again) the hygenists at the dentists office can be pretty mean to parents who don't practice good oral hygiene.

It's for her own good to get her teeth brushed. I know it may seem like you're torturing her; she'll come around again but you have to keep at it. Don't give in and let her win the battle because eventually, she will lose to cavities :)

Hope that helps a little! Good luck and God Bless!

A.

My son has his moments where he dosent want to let me brush his teeth. This is when I get my tooth brush and brush my teeth infront of him. It also helps for him to see it on tv. or other kids brushing. Then he is egar (sp?) again. Special Agent Oso from Disney Channel has a show on brushing teeth. Youtube or disney might have the program. Good luck. Forcing my son only makes him less likely to brush. If he skips a day for his eight little teeth than thats fine with me. Gross but ok. Good luck.

I agree with the poster who suggested that you both use toddler toothbrushes. It could be that she's prefering the feel of a regular toothbrush as opposed to the finger brush.

It worked for us to buy several different toothbrushes. (One each: Big Bird, Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster.) Our daughter is allowed to choose which brush mommy (or daddy) will use, and which one she will use. Your daughter may just be getting to the stage where she wants to choose something for herself. Toothbrushing is non-negotiable, but choice of brush is hers alone. Now, she brushes all by herself (supervised) in the morning before we leave the house, a parent brushes before nap and bed, and she also brushes before nap and bed. It's just part of the daily routine.

Good luck, mom! You'll find a groove that works for your family. Hang in there!

The best is to get help from a second person. Until 2 there is no need to worry about toothpaste. So you can do this outside the bathroom. Sit with one chair facing the other- hold her like a hug and slowly put her down into the "brushers" arms. This is a good position because it gives her comfort and you can be sure she will not hurt herself. If she is crying just keep reassuring her and and do it fast. Remember outside of the teeth- inside and then top, repeat. you can keep saying that too it helps them learn proper technique.

I. Blaess, dentist and mommy
if you have questions call me ###-###-####

Have her brush your teeth, then tell her "my turn" and you brush hers.. Maybe do not use toothpaste for a while.. It could be she does not like the taste... Also have her watch you brush your teeth and her father brush his teeth.. Talk about how big kids always brush their teeth...

Maybe get her a small stand up mirror to put on the table so she can see what is going on in there! Get one for you too, so you can do it together! Hope this helps!