Tips on getting toddler to enjoy having her teeth brushed?

Question

Any suggestions? I hate to resort to pinning her down and trying to get food particles out of her teeth. are there any songs or games that have worked for you?

Answer 1

Get rid of the tooth brush and get a "finger brush" She is too young to be brushing her teeth by herself and a finger brush works the best.

Answer 2

Maybe one of those electric toothbrushes that play certain songs.  I've seen them at Limited Too, but I'm sure they're other places as well.

Answer 3

My 3 year old has constantly fought me over this FOREVER. I finally asked my Dr. and he recommended buying a cheap child's battery opperated tooth brush. He then told me to let him play with it (sitting down of course) and get used to the feel of it vibrating on his tongue, lips, cheeks and teeth. Slowly imcorporate tooth paste with each use. After a few days of that my son was very used to it and we mad a trip to Walmart and he picked out his very special own toothbrush with his favorite cartoon character on it. The whole process tokk about 5 days...but I went from a son who I had to hold down and forcily brush his teeth to a little boy who love to do it himself now! Best Wishes!

Answer 4

My 17 month old loves to "brush" her teeth, so long as I let her do it...but she isn't getting the teeth properly, because she just sucks on it. I've tried letting her stand in there with me while I brush mine, she does the motions but doesn't get a single tooth! So I try to help and the fight ensues! with the struggle I get some teeth but I know I'm not getting them enough. I'm going to try the couch thing.

Answer 5

Try letting her brush her teeth without toothpaste at least once then she'll probrally get the hang of it :]

Answer 6

How old is your daughter? Are you still using the baby/toddler toothpaste with no flouride? My daughter loves having her teeth brushed. She loves sucking the fruity flavored off her toothbrush.

Answer 7

My 20 mth old has been brushing her teeth ever since she had them. We got her , her own toothbrush and put toothpaste on it and let her do it. She watch me and her daddy brush ours and she wanted to brush hers.  She just went for her first dentist check up and they said her teeth were perfect.    Her doctor said as long as she bites on the tooth brush, and only drinks water before she goes to bed her teeth should stay good and strong

Answer 8

Turn it into a game. Make up a song to go with he brushing or let her see u doing yours

Answer 9

The dentist told us to sit on the couch and have the child lay down with his head in your lap. This might make it more comfortable and less intimidating for him.

ETA: Who is giving everyone thumbs down? Pretty childish.