Son Has a FIT When We Brush His Teeth

It sounds to me like there is something that's scaring him. You might want to try sitting him down and talking to him very calmy about what is bothering him. Maybe try asking him at a time that's not associated with brushing his teeth. He may communicate more effectively if he's calm and relaxed.

Hey,
I haven't had that problem yet and my one year old son loves his tooth brush, but the first thing that came to my mind is at WalMart I saw some toothbrushes for like younger babies when they get their first tooth brush and it fit on the end of mom/dad's finger, it wasn't bristles, just like bumps or something and it had toothpaste....just a thought....it might help a little Good Luck

Infant Oral Exam
Some children’s teeth erupt even before they take their first steps. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association all recommend your baby visit the dentist by age 1. In this most important infant oral exam, our staff will help decrease or eliminate factors in the diet that may lead to decay at an early age. We perform a knee-to-knee exam with the child and engage parents by having them assist with the oral exam, showing them the dentition, soft tissues and methods of brushing. By sharing this approach with our parents, we teach children the importance of healthy teeth right from the start.

take 2 kitchen chairs facing each other have you and your husband sit facing each other have your child sit straddling one of you that person's job is to hold his hand tight and lean him back into your lap you then use your finger to go in his mouth and put the pad of your finger on the pad of gum behind his last molar it does not hurt him and you can't get bit then brush

i like the butler elmo spin brush its got one small head for his small mouth using just water if fine for now or even use a wet baby wash cloth is good

when he gets his molar teeth you can dip the brush in some act fluoride rinse this will avoid him eating to much toothpaste

J. registered dental hygienist 6 years of pedo experienc and a mom

We had an issue around that time too. We made it into a game. At first we did it only at bedtime until he got more comfortable and now he loves to brush his teeth. First we put on p.j's, tickling feet, belly, etc... as we put them on. Then we had to "tickle the teeth". At first it was for a very short time-he was resistant, but as he got used to it, it got longer. Then we started singing "The Wheels on the Bus" while we brushed and he loved it.

My older kids were like this and I'm sure my baby will be, too. We just didn't fight it. The more we fought the more they know you care and therefore the more they fight. It's a vicious cycle. Just put the toothpaste on and hand him the toothbrush. Sure it's not perfect but it's better than nothing. Avoid sticky foods like raisins and fruit snacks and make sure he drinks lots of water during the day. Those 2 things alone will really help his teeth. Once our kids were about 3 they were more receptive to some help... we'd start and they would finish getting all the teeth we missed. But for like 1.5-2 years we just didn't try. None of the kids have any cavities and the dentist said it wasn't worth the battle (they end up hating brushing their teeth and stopping altogether).

My son is 18 months and is just now ok with it sometimes. If he fights it, my hubby turns him upside down on the corner of the sofa & his mouth opens automatically. Enought to get in a quick brush while I tickle him! It makes it fun & I don't think he even realizes what we've done sometimes. He loves pointing to his teeth & doesn't mind playing with a tooth brush, but brushing them has been a challenge until recently. Now he opens for me. I just can't get his molars because they are still sore from trying to come in. (Which is why I think he decided he didn't like it in the first place!) Good luck!

Hi K., I bought my son an adult brush and gave it to his hand he keeps playing with it and I also make him sit on the counter top so he can see what I am doing and let him do it with my tooth bruch to me:) so far no problem. I hope it helps, you might also consider to change the toothpaste maybe he does not like the taste.

Have you tried an electric one? We did our daughter's teeth the first time with my husband's electric brush and she just loved it b/c it moved and vibrated. Maybe he would think that it is more fun that way?

We had the same problem with my son for the longest time. Automatic toothbrush helped a little. He still didn't like brushing his teeth, but he let us do it and it made the whole process easier.

I have the SAME problem with my 25 month old. Electric toothbrush made her go crazier. I sing a song that she likes and it helps a bit. Some days she lets me, other days it's a wizarding duel!

Hi K.. I would ask a pediatric dentist for advice. It seems like when a child is fighting something that sometimes the best thing to do is to give it a break and let them forget that it was such a huge deal. Then when you start it up again, make it completely different - do it in a different place at a different time with different supplies. And try to make him think it's his idea to do it. However, with this particular issue, I'm not sure how long it's ok to not brush their teeth!! Maybe my idea is terrible, but the dentist or their staff may be able to give you some good advice. Good luck to you. These kinds of phases are so tough to get through! Hang in there!
I don't know where you live, bur if it's not too far from you, you could try Dr. Ewers ###-###-#### in Elmhurst. He's at York and North.

My son was 4 years old before he stopped crying and screaming and vomiting every time we brushed his teeth. It was an awful time of the day when we had to force him to let me brush his teeth. Our pediatric dentist had no ideas to help us either (we don't see him anymore). I found this wonderful toothpaste that tastes like ice cream. It is sold at upscale dentists, and on-line. It is called Tanners Tasty Paste, and it is the only thing I found that made my son like getting his teeth brushed. They make fluoride and non fluoride toothpaste, so you should get the non fluroide one for babies. It is well worth the price if it gets him to like it. I also use an electric toothbrush.

K. - I had the same problem with my son at that age up until he was 22 months. He would do the same exact thing your son does. And we tried everything you did. Finally, one day (around 22 months) he just decided he was fine with it. He loves Thomas the Train so we did go out and buy a toothbrush that plays Thomas the Train music and that did help a little, but like I said he just finally let us start brushing his teeth around 23 months. Good luck as I know it can be very frustrating! Hang in there!

I bought my son a battery operated toothbrush with spiderman on it. He loves it. He doesn't like toothpaste so we skip the paste for now. He does not brush them as good as he should but for now it is a start. I make a joke after he brushes asking him to let me see his teeth and pretend like they are so shiny clean I need sunglasses becuase it is blinding. He laughs. I bought the toothbrush at meijer for around $6. They had sponge bob and sesame street ones too. The battery operated ones are fun. Good luck.

My dentist has the same problems that you and I do. She suggested sitting on the tub and leg locking a child while brushing. You are less likely to injure your child or your self. I would try using a finger as well. Maybe he has real sensitive teeth and gums. My child has a terrible time. His baby teeth were so infected they just fell appart. We did brush. Daddy had terrible teeth. Since I met and kissed him my own teeth are just falling appart.

Try making it fun not a fight. The Nanny uses pictures on a weekly board to stop bad talking etc. Way not put up a set of teeth. If he brushes on his own and you check the job. He gets to keep the picture that day. If all his pictures are up give him a reward. Tell him this is his job. He has to work to get paid. Add simple house chores to this as well so he will not realize that it is really the teeth you want done. Like clothes in basket, garbage in can, or setting the table. Small tasks that he can really do. Real jobs that help Mom and Dad. They can do a lot at 17 months if we will just let them. It may not be perfect but it is done.

Remember pick your fights. It is better to give up then make him hate brushing his teeth.

Tell him the truth if you do not brush you will get cavity bugs. Mr Wissler will have to remove them and you get a filling. Mr Wissler gets sad when he has to fix little peoples teeth. Make it fun.

Find a book at the library about brushing teeth.

I had the same issue w/ my son for a short time. I took him to the dentist and he actually had a bit of decay that hurt him when we brushed, but was fine when we were done. It wasn't quite a cavity, and needed a little bondo, but now he's fine. If you're in the naperville area, I used smallsmiles.org.

Sounds like you've tried all the nice tricks. One of the things I did after the dental work was done was let him chew on the toothbrush to relearn that the brush doesn't hurt. Also maybe watch some tv shows dealing w/ brushing and sing a song or two about brushing (lazy town has one: 20 times up 20 times down very hip and upbeat), have him count his teeth, maybe name his teeth. Be patient, I hope it all comes around for you. Maybe name it something else instead of brushing his teeth. Polish his pearly gems, etc.

Hi K.,
Glad to hear it's not just me. My 18-month-old son hates having his teeth brushed too. I'm just going to keep at it. :)

Best of luck!
M.

try all the tricks the other moms gave you, they are all really good. if that doesn't work, give it up. if you can get him to rinse and gargle with salt water that's good enought for now.

maybe it's a power play on his part. kids that age need to "win" sometimes to gain self esteem and confidence. pick you battles mom, this is just the beginning :-)

Try letting him chew on a wash rag wet with cold water. works the same but might soothe some sore gums. We also sing the brush-a brush-a brush-a song

Our 17mo son began hating brushing his teeth too. Not as much as yours, but he would be a pain about it. I don't know what a dentist would say about this... but we got an electric one (Oral B Vitality - about $20). He loves it. I got a soft bristle brush head for him and we use his baby paste. He does well with it because it feels neat. I don't use it EVERY time because I found he is better with his regular toothbrush now that we use this one most of the time. Good luck!

Have you tried letting him pick out the tooth brush and tooth paste himself? I found that a great help...This site also has a lot of mom's on it that might have other ways that might help you out..... http://www.a-mommys-world.com/chat.php