brushing my 16 month olds teeth?

Question

i am really trying to get into a rountine with brushing my sons teeth but no matter how much I try he really screams and cries everytime I try-its got to the point where I have to practically pin him down-please help!!we've tried to make it as enjoyable as possible but hes absolutly terrified!

Answer 1

Try getting him a novelty toothbrush - perhaps one he has chosen himself. I've found that a small electric one (specially designed for children) is a big help in brushing my 21 month old's teeth. Then make it his responsibility to clean his teeth. Perhaps you could brush yours at the same time?

Also try mentioning that Superman/Fireman Sam or whoever, ALWAYS cleans his teeth!

You could also try looking for books for kids about teethcare. Or ask your dentist or health visitor for their professional advice.

Maybe he's too tired to brush them properly - try doing it a little earlier before bedtime.

Answer 2

Does it hurt him? Either the act itself or the brush? When my daughter was about that age, I used my finger as the brush just to get her used to the idea. Now granted, her teeth did come in a lil later than most so she was still getting teeth at that point, but regardless, the finger worked. Then we moved from there to a brush and then having her do some by herself, then me finishing.

You should never have to pin him down, and if that means starting over from scratch, you may have to do that!

Answer 3

We had this problem and is is quite trying. What we did in the end was to do a joint brushing where we all brushed our teeth together; making noises that this was fun and using a tasty toothpaste. Our daughter became interested but was not overtly encouraged to join in. Then she did tentatively and we made a fuss of her. We had to build on that slowly with praise and some reward as she slowly took up brushing her own teeth. But believe me it was a long and challenging journey. Good luck.

Answer 4

I always cleaned my teeth at the same time and let my children brush their own teeth. At that age it's only going through the motions anyway so it doesn't matter how well they do it.
Try to make it a fun thing. Easier said than done, I know, but you have to try or else it will become a problem.

Answer 5

Get a kid's toothpaste and use a very small bit.

My daughter is exactly 16 months and loves having her teeth brushed. I sit her up on the counter and hold her with one arm while I brush her teeth with the other hand. It's part of her "going to bed" routine.

Answer 6

At 16 months, he's probably trying to feed himself also, right? Question, does he enjoy his bath? If so, either try brushing them while he's in the tub or give him the toothbrush. If HE brushes them they won't be perfect but at least he'll get into the habit. Then he will just get better and better as he gets older. Hope this helps. (speaking as a mother of 2 & grandmother of 6)

Answer 7

Try reading a book abut teeth to him or find a dvd about brushing teeth. Let him watch you brush your teeth. Then take him to the store and let him pick out his own special toothbrush. Let him use it. Don't be afraid that he won't get all the teeth because he probably won't. But he'll feel independent and want to do it. Then when he's done, you brush his teeth for him.

I let my daughter brush her own teeth and then I help her. She loves to brush her teeth... I actually have to take the toothbrush from her!!

Answer 8

I give my guy his toothbrush with the training toothpaste and let him go. Granted it doesn't get done very throughly but he is learning how to do it. If you continue to fight him he will end up scaird of it. And you may end up with bigger problems. We tell my son " Let's brush your teeth. You do it then mommy will help." Then he does it for a few minutes and then brings it to me to finish for him. Seems to be working now had a rocky start though. He would run a scream too if I just tried to go at him with it.

Answer 9

Buy him a fun toothbrush and flavoured toothpaste and let him do it himself, even if he just sucks the toothpaste off! Let him do it as the same time as you so he can copy. Dont push it too much if he wont do it, remember he will get a new set of teeth in a few years. I sometimes think this is why they get a 2nd lot, its like a 2nd chance!!

Answer 10

We took our kids to the childrens dental group and they got special toothbrushes & a timer and the dentist talked to them about teeth - they had a fun time there and then wanted us to brush their teeth. I also would let them start by themselves then mommy would come and add "sparkles" to finish up.