14-Month-old Rejects the Toothbrush

Updated on February 13, 2008
K.F. asks from Urbana, IL
31 answers

I have a 14-month-old with a mouth full of teeth, including 3 molars! We took him to the dentist around the time he turned one and we've been attempting to make "brushing your teeth" part of his daily routine. At first, he loved it! He would hold the brush and even try to brush them himself, giggling away! Now, he completely refuses to put the brush in his mouth. He will clench his jaw and turn his head away from the brush. Is this something I should force the issue with? I keep having fears of rotting teeth! The dentist recommended at this age only using water, so it's not as if there is toothpaste that he has an aversion to. I am just wondering how many 14-month-olds are consistently having their teeth brushed. I have heard of a finger brush that can be easier to use. I may have to try it!

2 moms found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you all for your tips! It sounds like what is going on is pretty normal and we will keep trying. My son reacts really well to silliness so I think I am going to try that and just be grateful for the one or two teeth that we can get to for now! Thanks!!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.B.

answers from Chicago on

My 16 month-old was too, I bought some of the toddler safe toothpaste, put a tiny bit on the brush and now she loves it again. I use only a tiny amount and it's safe enough to be swallowed.
Best of luck.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Champaign on

I gave my toddlers a tooth brush and allowed them to put it in their mouth and imitate me brushing. By the time they were two I would ask a couple of times a week if I could check if they missed a spot. My opinion is that developing good brushing habits means making it part of their daily routine at this age. As their fine motor skills develop the teeth will get clean. If that's not enough, try making a game out of it or singing silly songs on how/where to move the brush in the mouth. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Chicago on

My son had all his teeth too (molars and all)at 1 year. He has never been a fan of brushing. It would take the two of us to hold his head to get them brushed. I think the finger brush is helpful, but in the end it was consistency. Picking a time everyday and being consistent about it. After a couple weeks, his protesting greatly diminished. I wouldn't say that he loves getting his teeth brushed, but understands it is over much faster if he cooperates. Consistency is key, don't give up mum!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Chicago on

K.-
At 9 or 10 months when we switched from the finger brush to a regular baby toothbrush, my son instantly fought it (and fought and fought). The finger brush was useless too because he would just bite it (and bite HARD). Sooo, we also opted for a battery toothbrush. That's what my husband and I use and my son is always interested in us brushing our teeth -- he even held his mouth open when I would tease him with my toothbrush. I found a kid toothbrush at Meijer that was by G.U.M and it looks like a Crayola marker. It has a really small round head and the first time we used it the results were DRAMATIC. He held his mouth so wide open we couldn't believe it! Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Chicago on

K.,

The finger toothbrush is great, until your kid champs down on your finger.
Did you let your son pick out his own toothbrush and tooth paste at the store?
If not, try that, along with a sticker reward chart.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Chicago on

I had a similar problem with my son. You can try the finger brush but my son bit my finger! Try a little bit of non-flouride toothpaste. It tastes good and may get him to brush his teeth. Also, if you have a spouse or significant other, let him try to brush your son's teeth. This worked for me. For some reason my son let my husband brush his teeth and not me. This was great for me because it eliminated one extra duty for me and placed it on my husband!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.L.

answers from Chicago on

I also have a 14 month old, and I brush her teeth most days. i say most days because sometimes it just slips my mind! (Don't worry, my 6 year old religiously brushes his teeth morning and night!). I use a regular brush and most times she's ok with it, but sometimes rejects it as well. I was using the finger brush, but she bites so hard that I couldn't do it anymore!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.,
My son is 2 yrs. old, but he also had a hard time with me brushing his teeth. The finger brush worked ok, or just a wet cloth, but what worked great for me were those batterie operated toothbrushes- the ones that spin and vibrate. Usually the age is 3 and above because of the size of the toothbrush head. But my son LOVES it and even if I just get the toothbrush on his teeth for a few seconds I know they've been cleaned a bit! They make them with all kinds of cartoon characters on them now. Just be consistent like you have been and he will come around! Hope this helps! J. S.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.!
Yep! Same issue here. I have a 16 month old and we are trying to be better about teeth brushing as well. This is when I have to get really silly and make up silly songs and get in there and maybe only get 1 tooth at a time.

I hold my son in a cradling position (but not tight so its an uncomfortable hold) and I sing something like "brush, brush brush . . .gotta get those teeth . . ." And maybe brush one or 2 at a time. Each time he lets me do this, we all (because this is a family affair!) yell "Yea!" He sees his big brother brushing his teeth, but I am sure that as he watches you brush your teeth it will help!

We *try* to do it every night, but its probably more like 3-4 times a week. Baby steps.
B. :-)

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Chicago on

All three of my kids had a hard time brushing when they were teething. in fact, my 13 month old just did this recently when he was cutting a tooth.Is he getting that last molar in maybe? I would continue to try to get the toothbrush in his mouth consistently, and eventually it won't be as much of a fight. Even if you can't get all his teeth brushed, I would at least try to get him to open his mouth. I have brushed my kids teeth morning and night pretty regularly from the time they got teeth, and eventually they get over it and let you brush. Oh, and I wouldn't recommend a finger brush, because, at least my kids at that age have been known to bite down hard when they don't want me to brush.
Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Chicago on

My son will be 2 in June and he has had a toothbrush since the teething days..(we used to get it wet and freeze it... then he would teeth on it)..but, i can say that when he gets burnt out something i just let it be for a week and start fresh. They also make kids toothpaste that tastes so yummy i want to use it... and if you son still needs convincing after trying a break, I would try just a small dab of the baby toothpaste:)Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.H.

answers from Bloomington on

Have you tried a kids toothbrush that is battery powered? My kids love the rotation and noice of these kinds of brushes. They ask to brush their teeth! Good luck! :)

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.,
I have a son who is 4 1/2 years old and has Down syndrome. Brushing teeth was a real issue for him because of sensory issues. This was directed to me from a special needs dentist in Buffalo Grove, but I don't see why it won't work for your little guy too. Have Dad or someone hold your son straddling his legs so they are face to face, so that when he lays his head back, it will be into your lap. Have Dad hold his hands and he won't be able to object to brushing. My son know he will have brushing as long as I sing his ABC's (45 sec.) It is a great learning tool too. Hope it go well....J. mother of 5 gals and 1 boy

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.S.

answers from Chicago on

I have 2 grown daughters with healthy teeth and I never pushed a toothbrush when they were little. Rotten teeth comes from going to sleep with a bottle of juice more than anything. My recommendation is stop pushing the toothbrush for now. Reintroduce it in a couple of months but if he still does not want it, don't worry. You can have him drink a little water to rinse his mouth if necessary.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.P.

answers from Champaign on

All 4 of my kids have always loved brushing their teeth, and I suspect it's because they liked the taste of toddler toothpaste. So, although it's not necessary at this age, you might try using a little and see if that makes him like brushing more. Make sure it's fluoride-free (for toddlers), since he probably won't be able to spit it out yet.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Chicago on

HI K.!
My son, Vincent, is now 2 years old and has been interested in brushing his teeth since about 14 months old - he too went through a small stage like your son is going through and what helped us was taking him to the store with us and allowing him to pick out his own toothbrush - he loves the little einsteins and nemo and they had toothbrushes with those characters so he chose both of those. We also use a non-flouride toothpaste that is fruit flavored and that helps a lot too!! I found that if you make a routine of it then he gets used to it quickly our routine consists of every morning when we wake up I brush my teeth and he has a step stool next to the sink and brushes his teeth at the same time, we do the same thing right before bed as well.

Hang in there it will get better soon!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.E.

answers from Chicago on

Both my girls hated their toothbrushes after once loving them. We stopped forcing it, giving the girls a day off once every other day and let THEM brush their teeth. It may not have lasted long, but we tried not to make brushing a combative time. We also let our youngest daughter walk around with it in her mouth if she wanted, without toothpast on it. Perhaps try the toothpaste? They come in fun flavors and my girls seem to see it as a treat at this point...running to the bathroom to brush when it's time.

Overall, he'll get used to it and one day he'll just love doing it! Or, he will always hate it and he'll be one of those kids you have to yell at to brush his teeth even at school age! :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Chicago on

i'd try the finger brush, too. or even a wet washcloth or textured blankie. try brushing your teeth at the same time as he does. perhaps suggest it will be tickling his teeth? it's so important to get in there to help keep his teeth/gums health.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Chicago on

This is what I did with my boys. I hope it helps.
I have started brushing with a baby washcloth with infant toothpaste. The toothpaste was just for the flavoring, and the washcloth is softer. Some children have more sensitivity in the mouth than others. There were time I had to "hold them" down to do it. So I would make up silly toothbrushing songs, and they began to like it. Then I did the finger toothbrush. I did it until they were about 2, or more willing to let me brush with a toothbrush. Sometimes I would brush, then i would let them brush, so they thought they were doing it themselves. They also loved when I would let them rinse and spit the water into the sink. At first you have to make it a game and do it with them to show how..."lets see if you can spit on mommy's finger?" They laugh so hard at the idea of trying to get mommy, and they really don't get it for a little while. Now that they know how to rinse and spit it out, I use and electric toothbrush with Kids toothpaste on it. They like the electric toothbrush much better than the regular one, and I feel like their teeth are getting a better cleaning.
I have 4 boys from age 11-2 yrs old and not one of them have cavities.
Whatever you do, make it fun. As long as mommy is smiling and laughing, your baby will too :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Chicago on

According to our pediatric dentist, you are supposed to help your child brush until age 8. We have a song we sing during brushing - so I would recommend making one up or finding one. Ours is by Raffe. Also, I tell the kids that their teeth have "sugar bugs" at the end of the day so mom has to brush them off so the bugs go away. I look in their mouths with no brush and count them - oh, you have 11 sugar bugs in there! Then I count to 11 as I brush. Works lik a charm. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.A.

answers from Chicago on

Personally I don't believe I would try the finger brush or you might end up being bitten. And they do make toothpaste that doesn't have flouride. I'm sure that is why your dentist has suggested water. My children don't like to brush their teeth but they do it because I don't give them a choice. They like the toothpaste...I let them pick it out and their own toothbrush, but if they fuss or complain (3 and 5) I don't allow it. They have both been to the dentist and I explain that if you don't take care of your teeth they will get black spots that the dentist will have to fix or they may even lose their teeth...and then how would they eat with no teeth. My oldest didn't get her first tooth until she was 11 months old, but I started using the finger brush on her gums in the morning when I brushed my teeth to get her used to something in her mouth. The other child got teeth at seven month. I started brushing that one little tooth from the beginning.

Basically though you just have to try to explain that it is important to care for your teeth and insist that they do it. He's 14 months old...and at some point they have to know that they can't tell you no. They all try to, but have to learn as soon as possible that is not acceptable or boy will it be a pain when they hit the teens.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.!
Our son was around the same age when we started brushing with baby tooth polish and a toothbrush. Helped when he picked his own toothbrush and we worked on the tooth polish flavors. Whoever brushes teeth with him, brushes with him. We would have "races" to see who finished fastest and made it into a game. If you buy into the fun side...it helps. If they see you do it without you trying to convince them...they will want to do what you are doing.
Good luck!
S. in Lisle

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Chicago on

My 18 month old won't let me brush his teeth but has no problems doing it himself (ahem). We put a little toothpaste on it and let him chew on it so that his molars that are trying to come in feel better!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Chicago on

i use special toothpaste for babies and my little one loves the taste of it. you could try it and see if he likes it. there are also those finger brushes. I don't know if it is easier with them.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.S.

answers from Chicago on

My son was the exact same way!! What I did was to take brief breaks from it (which was hard for me as I brush my teeth a bit); then we had a very specific routine when brushing his teeth and I did get him a character toothbrush (he loves cars) and electric toothbrush which was perfect. He brushes very well now (or lets me do it). Good luck!
T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.W.

answers from Chicago on

As a mom of 4 I know what this is like, with each child - we've used one toothbrush for parental assistance and let the child in question use their "own" toothbrush to brush on their own which normally consists of chewing on the brush. And while they are trying that, we've then told them it's time for Mommy or Daddy to check how they did and we go in and "help" them get all the the teeth. Normally it works but, on occasion, not very well. As they get older it does get easier, if they can at least have some water before bed at least that can rinse the mouth out.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.E.

answers from Chicago on

We use training toothpaste with our 19 month old. It comes in a lot of flavors. He could pick out a flavor he likes. Have you tried an electric toothbrush? There are some really cool ones out there.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.G.

answers from Chicago on

When my kids were that age, I brushed their teeth while they watched their morning tv show. The show kept them occupied and they didn't really fuss. Then, we tried to do it together in the evening. At least I knew they had one good brushing a day.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.W.

answers from Fayetteville on

K.,
I got my boys the toothbrushes that play music. My younges son who just turned 6 has never liked to brush his teeth and I find spending alittle more money on the ones that play music works great...Good Luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.G.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.,
I have a 14 month old too who loves to brush her teeth. It's part of her bedtime routine. We give her a toothbrush and then we use a finger brush to get the back teeth. Be careful with the finger brush b/c my daughter bites down and it hurts. Have you tried having him brush his teeth when you brush yours? That's how we introduced it to our daughter. She was always in the room with us when we brushed so she couldn't wait to get her own toothbrush. Hope that helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.W.

answers from Chicago on

hi - here's what works for us. we bought an automatic toothbrush that has Elmo on it. We make a big deal of seeing Elmo and she gets to hold the container the brush sits in - and press the button to turn it on. Then we say AHHHH and she opens her mouth and lets us put the Elmo brush in. We also put her hands on the toothbrush so she feels like she's brushing. Hope that helps (oh - and you might want to brush your teeth in front of your baby - this might make your lil one brush too) - good luck!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions