brushing toddlers teeth

My son wanted to brush his teeth right after he turned one, he always brushed our teeth together. We also went to the store and he picked out his own toothbrush and toothpaste (sponge bob). :)

I agree with you on that. I also have a hard time brushing my baby's teeth. I always check her teeth because she eats more of what we eat now, and especially her formula contains sugar. I don't want her to get cavities. But I am persistent in brushing her teeth, but sometimes I skip a day or two lol. It's frustrating sometimes. I just try to make it fun for her. I have this booklet for toddlers on how to brush their teeth, and show it to her. My toddler likes to imitate, and she imitates the ones in the booklet that way she is soo cooperative! But I just make it quick because she becomes fussy.

Take him to the store and let him pick out his own toothbrush and make it fun and exciting for him. When it's time to brush, let him do it. Maybe you could join in with him and brush your teeth so he can watch you first and he might feel more comfortable with it all. Just make it fun.

We brush our teeth together. I get down to his level and let him "brush" mine while I brush his. This makes it more fun for him.

I had the same problem when my daughter was just starting out to learn brushing her teeth. I thought at first that she doesn't like her toothpaste though it is strawberry-flavored. So I tried other flavors. But it seemed that its not the toothpaste that is the problem but the brushing itself. I also had a hard time teaching her not to swallow the water after rinsing her teeth. =) But then I have been patient and eventually, she got used to it. Now at 3 year-old, she has the initiative to get her toothbrush and brush her teeth!

I brush Jonathan's teeth and let him "finish up", that way he has an active role in his oral hygiene. Also, letting him brush mommys teeth helps lol

try try and try at last you will succeed .. i laso have the ame problem ;)

You probably shouldn't leave it until toddler age - you're better off trying to start brushing from when the first tooth or 2 are through & a quick brush once a day would be fine, the more you do it, the more they get used to it & the more teeth they have the more it has to be done! I started brushing my daughter's teeth around 10 months when she had 4 & she puts up with it & only gets frumpy with me when i take the brush away to clean it, but when i give it back she puts it back in her mouth. I am currently trying a battery powered one, she seems to like that & can play with it some afterwards which seems to help her enjoy it more. Just keep persisting & if you miss a day or 2 here or there it wont hurt but the younger you start, the easier it is to make in to a habit!

If it's so bad that you can't do it, try with a soft washcloth and a berry or bubblegum flavored toothpaste. Once he gets used to the feel of something in his mouth, you can move to a toddler brush. And play music or tell a story while brushing. If he sees you having fun, chances are he'll pick up on your cues.

Use the small, soft toothbrushes. They don't look like much, it's all they can handle. Get and use mouthwash. Scope he will use and swallow. Listerine has a milder form now. Have two small cups. One to spit the mouthwash into if, hopefully, he hasn't swallowed it. One with water to drink after until he gets used to the mouthwash. It's something he has to do. Put fluoride toothpaste on your finger,and run it over his teeth and gums. Don't forget the roof of his mouth if his teeth are yellow, there are germs. Let him rinse. Boys don't like toothbrushes near their tongues. He'll get the fluoride on the enamel of his teeth and gums, and it will fight decay. If he can hold a spoon and feed himself, he is ready for a toddler's toothbrush. Put a paste, not a gel, on the toothbrush, and let him brush like a grwon=up. Give him a treat, like orange juice, for completing this well. Praise him, he will do it again, and he will remind you soon enough, if you ever forget to let him brush his teeth. Add the brush for the hair, and comb and you've got a good boy.