Does anyone else struggle to clean their toddlers teeth?
Our rule is that mommy or daddy brushes first and then they get to brush. But they can’t have that toothbrush until mommy has brushed. When they are last young I don’t brush long. I am using this as a training period for a time when they are a little older and need a better brushing. And this is one of those things in life that isn’t a choice. It’s something that must be done so there is discipline when they refuse to obey. The reward for obedience is to get to brush or suck on the toothbrush. My 3 yod still sucks on the toothbrush. Brushing is a learned skill. It takes time to learn it. That is why we still help them brush to get them really clean.
My son is 14 months and doesnt care to get his teeth brushed fully to get properly clean.. he does let me get a few strokes in, and then he plays with it in his mouth while Iam getting him ready for bed. I think if hes atleast chewing on it and getting some of that toothpaste in there to help fight the cavities its better than nothing. These teeth fall out in a couple of years and its the adult teeth you really gotta take care of. Your at least trying and showing him how to take care of his teeth, and the value of sticking with it.
I’m in the same boat with my 3 year old. He won’t let me or his daddy brush them as a rule (he does occasionally, but not very often). He brushes the front ones not too bad, but not perfect, but tends really to just munch on the paste and brush a little with what is left and water. My dentist says not to worry too much, he will be getting some protection and what he does is better than nothing. He quite likes a mirror to look in, though, so I let him see himself brushing. It still isn’t great, but at least he tries. He is really good at wanting his teeth done and never bothers when I tell him it is teeth cleaning time. He usually brushes alongside me, so he is seeing what I do and I encourage him to copy me. I feel that at least he is getting into the routine, so it will be second nature to him in the long run. The first teeth are only in for about 6 years, so it is the adult teeth I worry about most. Once he is that bit older, it will probably be easier to get him to clean them proper
I had the exact same problem with my daughter. She would only chew on her toothbrush and I literally had to wrestle her down to get the rest of her teeth, but I would justify it in my mind and think that its better to struggle than to let her teeth rot. That was 6 months ago, at 18 months. Now, what I’ve done is I let her brush her teeth first while I’m brushing mine. She watches me do it. Then, afterwards, I say, “Ok now, mommy is going to brush your teeth too.” and I tell her I’m going to count her teeth. Then, I say, “Open your mouth,” and at first I had to keep at it, but when she finally did, I cheered her on just for opening her mouth. Then I say, “One…two…three…” like I’m counting her teeth, and I do it in a gentle circular motion so I’m not bruising her gums or making it any worse for her, but I’m still trying to get all those areas that need brushing. Then when I’m done I make a REALLY big deal about her being such a big girl and doing such a good job. I now always ask h
