How Often and How Long Should I Brush a 19 Mo's Teeth?

Updated on January 14, 2011
S.S. asks from Los Angeles, CA
8 answers

Right now, we brush once a day, right before bed, with a toothbrush and small amount of baby's toothpaste (no flouride). I read you're supp. to brush for 2 min but that seems impossible with a squirmy whiny toddler! I usually get in about 20-30 sec of brushing before I give it to him to "finish" and he just chomps on it while we read a book. Should I be brushing longer? more often? How do you do it so your kids don't get bored and squirm away? Thanks!

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Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.

answers from Augusta on

try letting him do it and you finishing up.
Also try singing while he brushes.
There are also toothbrushes that light up or sing for two minutes while you brush.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

J.C.

answers from Columbus on

I always sang while brushing my kids' teeth.
to the tune of 'Row, row, row your boat'
Brush, brush, brush your teeth
Brush them very well
Brush them til they shine and gleam
That is nice and swell.

I know, it's super corny...I made it up, but it worked for me, 3 rounds and you're finished :)

2 moms found this helpful

C.S.

answers from Houston on

My son loves the toothpaste so I always tell him that he needs to let Mommy brush first and then he'll get more toothpaste to brush on his own.When he starts to squirm or close his mouth I just remind him about "more paste" and he ussually cooperates. After my turn I just put a tiny dot more on and that appeases him.

1 mom found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Sorry mamapedia posted so many times.???.

sing the song Twinkle, Twinkle little Star.. That is how long..
Happy Birthday and the ABC song obviously also can be used.
They take the same amount of time..

Updated

sing the song Twinkle, Twinkle little Star.. That is how long..
Happy Birthday and the ABC song obviously also can be used.
They take the same amount of time..

Updated

sing the song Twinkle, Twinkle little Star.. That is how long..
Happy Birthday and the ABC song obviously also can be used.
They take the same amount of time..

Updated

sing the song Twinkle, Twinkle little Star.. That is how long..
Happy Birthday and the ABC song obviously also can be used.
They take the same amount of time..

Updated

sing the song Twinkle, Twinkle little Star.. That is how long..
Happy Birthday and the ABC song obviously also can be used.
They take the same amount of time..

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Brush more than once a day.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

At least twice a day, and try to get those teeth if he's had juice or candy or something. I agree with making it a game. When my daughter was younger, I had my turn and she had hers. Or we did "sing LALALA" for open mouth and "EEEEE" for closed so I could get her front teeth. Just do the best you can as often as you can. And if she is good, she can brush my teeth, too.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Springfield on

It will get easier as he gets older! I just try to make sure I really get each tooth and the gums. If I don't, I try to go back a couple of minutes later. It can be tough, and those chompers are strong!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

I.S.

answers from Seattle on

I only manage once too..and my kids have great teeth so far (they are the same age). I wouldn't worry too much about it, but it doesn't hurt to brush twice a day.
It would be good to remember to floss too..I know it seems impossible..and trust me it can be...but we use the flossing picks...with the pre-strung floss...makes it SOOO much easier..and my kiddos generally seem to do ok. I wouldn't worry about doing it any longer.
And if you are truly concerned, make him an appt. to see a dentist. They usually suggest making that first appt. when they are around a year. The dental office can truly give you the most accurate advice.

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