Toddler Will Not Brush Teeth

I have had to pin my son on my lap as I set on the toilet and bush his teeth for him like Stephanie. Then I would tell him that since I used all of my energy fighting him to brush his teeth I would not be able to read him a bed time story. Now he willingly opens his mouth and lets me brush his teeth.

Fortunately, my daughter had a friend who had to have fillings done at 3. She didn't want to go to the dentist to "get drilled."

When she did refuse, as they all do (power/control),I explained that this was one of those things that had to be done whether she liked it or not, so I was going to brush her teeth. I brushed them through the tightly squeezed lips and then the cry, which opened the mouth. It was painful for me to do, but she needed those teeth brushed and nothing else worked. When she says she's not going to brush now, I say, "Then I'll have to brush" and I puck up the toothbrush. Usually that is all I have to do. Occasionally, she pushed it farther and I have to put the toothpaste on it. Last week, I had to brush lips and the mouth opened. It was about control.

Stephanie

You could also try a different flavor of toothpaste. One of my kids can't stand mint, so hated brushing until we switched to the watermelon flavor. He didn't much like the bubble gum.

We had luck with a sticker system. We'd start by saying "if you do a good job brushing your teeth you'll get a sticker". That worked for us. The other thing my daughter likes is standing on her little steps to the sink. That's enough now to entice her to brush her teeth. I let her suck on the toothbrush a while, then I have to do it myself to get her teeth clean. Good luck!

My 20 month old hated having her teeth brushed until we put a fish tank in the bathroom! She gets excited about getting to sit on the counter and watch them and doesn't seem to notice we're brushing her teeth! We also use an electric toothbrush- i figure it's working better and faster than a manual toothbrush.

Have you taken him to the dentist yet? Ours checked out my sons, and then told them that if they didn't brush, then mom had to do it. He explained that their teeth could get rotten, and then they'd need a filling. They didn't like that idea and so they went along with the brushing. When a follow up visit showed that they weren't brushing well enough, they were told that mom had to do it. I also got them the little single use dental flosses. They'd do what they could and then mom would have to finish. I also tried lots of different toothpastes until we found one they liked.

My toddler hated his teeth brushed. He would clinch his mouth and would not let me brush them. He would even cry with his mouth shut. That lasted a few months. I just stayed consistant and brushed for as long as I could, 1 second or 30. I found that if I give him a toothbrush and I use a toothbrush, that helps. I also brush his teeth in the tub while he is laying down. I have found that is the easiest time.

Hi J.,
I wouldn't bother with the time-outs. As a family therapist, I can tell you they're better for stopping an unwanted behavior, not encouraging good behavior. With my son, we tried offering TV as a reward-- if he would brush his teeth, he could watch TV. If not, the TV was turned off immediately.
Good luck!

I think a time-out is most appropriate and the time-out should last until he brushes his teeth. ONce you've said it's time to brush teeth, he does NOTHING until the teeth are brushed except lay on his bed or stand at the bathroom sink.

HI J.,
My son (now 11)and my daughter (now 6) both were hesitant when it was time to brush their teeth. I got reasons like "the toothpaste is hot" (spearmint), "it's boring", etc. But when I went to their dentist, he said that it is simply not something to be negotiated, and if that means Mom does all their brushing, then that's what must be done.
It was sometimes a morning of crying and defiance, but now they go in and do it on their own (usually after the first time I ask) because they know that saying "No" is not an option. Being firm and consistent is the ONLY way to get your children to follow directions and realize that YOU are the one in charge...not them! :) I do occasionally have to swat (even my 11 year old) to correct behavior at times, but my 6 year old responds much better to time outs. The worst spanking could never compare to a 2 minute "time out" for her. So remember that every child is different, but that YOU are the parent, and the one who makes the rules and standards for your children! Good Luck!

My son is almost 3 and we use the thomas flavored toothpaste without flouride, he still likes to try to eat it, from target. He loves the flavor and brushes his teeth at the same time I do. I let him suck on the brush, move it around his mouth while I brush mine. He tries to immitate me. Then when I am done I brush his teeth quickly. I start at the bottom, move to the top with breaks in-between, then finish by telling him to smile. We are done then. The flavored, flouride free is great for him right now. Also, make sure you take him to the dentist.

try brushing one of his stuffed animals or doll's teeth. He might want to do that and then try it on himself again.

I had to make up a REALLY silly song to get my 3 year old to brush his teeth... Whatever works;) I even danced around like a crazy lady... He LOVED it!!!!

My Daughter 28 Months, did not like it much either. Untill I took her to a pediatric dentist. The office was amazing with lots of toys and the chairs had cool child frindly TV above them so that they could watch a movie during their exam. The dentist allowed my daugter to explore the tools and explained the importiance of a clean mouth. Since then bruching is a breeze, We also use a water pick rather than floose now and that seems to be a fun alternitive to flossing.