My 5yo has a fit whenever it is time to brush her teeth, she screams, kicks, etc.... She even complains that she is going to throw up. This started recently, not sure what changed for her, she used to brush her teeth fine at daycare. Any ideas on how to get her to like brushing her teeth. I've tried telling her that if she doesn't brush that her teeth will fall out (I've got an uncle w/false teeth & she hates them). Some mornings I have to literally hold her to down to get her teeth brushed, which only makes our mornings worse & I hate sending her off to school upset. Your ideas are appreciated.
Edit: My daughter is very independent and prior to this has brushed her teeth by herself. She has always picked out her own toothbrush and paste. Only recently because of this issue have I started to brush her teeth for her because she refuses to do it or during the times she does attempt, it simply is not a good enough job. She is due for more paste, so we will try a new "cool" toothbrush & I think I may try to reward her provided she brushes her teeth with no problems. Thanks for the feedback so far - please keep the ideas coming!
Actions = consequences. Tell her she has to brush her teeth or you will do it. Tell her if she doesn't, she cannot X that day. Tell her it's for her health and when she's ready to brush them, to tell you then walk away. May just be an independence thing.
maybe she is going to throw up...some children can develope extra sensitive gag reflexes. ask her her if you can feel her teeth. if you can't touch her back molars with out her gagging thsi may be the problem. consult your dentist
Well does she like the taste of her tooth paste? You could try buying her a different kind. My girls love the kind with Tinkerbell on the bottle. Or you could take her to the store and let her pick out her very own new tooth brush. They have cute kid electric ones that might appeal to her. Sometimes kids just go through little phases and power struggles. So don't give into her (which it sounds like your not) but she should grow out of it. You could also try rewarding her for when she is good about brushing her teeth. Like start a sticker chart. When she doesn't fight you she gets a sticker and if she fills up a week of stickers then she can get a surprise....like a new book, toy, crayons, a piece of candy etc. That might help her want to be better. Hope this helps.
I would try an Electric Toothbrush. Let her pick it out along with here own toothpaste. My daughter loves hers and I feel better knowing its doing a better job then with the original toothbrush. I also tell my daughter that she can't eat any candy or snacks if she doesn't brush. We don't want the sugar bugs to eat her teeth :0) It works for now. Maybe have your dentist have a talk about brushing and the importance of it. I would even try showing her a movie about teeth.
My 3 year old is like that. I let him brush in the morning by himself it is not worth the fight and I give them a good thorough brushing at night. He has some oral sensory issues and has always had an aversion to brushing but it is slowly getting better. He actually let them clean his teeth the last time we were at the dentist without putting up a fight. She is 5 and probably want a little independence. Why not let her brush them and you can inspect them to make sure she did a good job.
Do you let her brush her own teeth or do you do it every time? I let my son who is 6 brush his own teeth and I help every other night. Also, maybe a trip to the dentist where they can explain how important it is to brush her teeth every morning and night. They can, also, show her proper technique for brushing and let her know that mom and dad still need to help her every other day or so for a few more years. My kids are more likely to do what a doctor or dentist tells them to do than they are to listen to me. Good luck!
Do you use a regular toothbrush? My son used to hate teeth brushing so I started buying the battery powered tooth brushes and he get's on much better , let her try herself and then you have a go , tell her you have to take it in turns. At least with a battery powered brush you know the teeth are getting a good clean and you are less likely to damage the gum because you won't be dealing with her kicking and screaming.
You should try the toothpaste out for yourself. Does it have a yucky flavour? also if she likes music get her one of those toothbrushes that sound out music when she brushes her teeth and tell her that if she doesnt brush her teeth with it she cant listen to music ALL day. If that doesnt work offer her a sundae with whipped cream and cherry on top. Worked for me with my 4 year old.
is it possible she's enjoying going to battle over this with you? I'm thinking about the struggle of you holding her down to accomplish her teeth brushing. Sounds weird but kids can find a sense of accomplishment in making their parents do something ...even in a negitive way. I know because I have a son who when young was all about trying to engage me in power struggles. I had to be very careful and some days it felt like I had to dress for battle,emotionally. I would really look a see where in her life she has control and question is this something she's struggling with. If so I would not continue to forcefully brush her teeth. I would tell her if she chooses to not brush her teeth there will be no treats what so ever. But that if she dose start and do a good job she can earn reward. Carefully build back a positive feeling to this teeth brushing. If she dosn't brush for a week even a month ....it's not the end of the world. But I'm pretty sure that if you back off...lay out the boundries...rewards.....and be supportive.....she'll come around and enjoy your positive attention. Best wishes
I would tell her that she can do it herself (and do it right) or you will do it for her. If you have to do it, then I would have her spend a LONG time in her room with only a few toys. Like from the time she gets home from school until it's time for bed - only out for dinner. Rewards/star charts never really worked for my kids.
I would get her a cute toothbrush (let her pick her fav) some new toothpaste (some of those flavours are just gross) and let her know that brushing her teeth is NOT optional. This is not something that you barter with her about or reward. Tell her you can do it nicely and be done quickly, or she can kick up a fuss and start/end her day with a fight. It's up to her.
