I can't get my 15 month old to open her mouth for me to brush her teeth, she's more resistant every day.

Question

I try giving her the brush and she plays with it, but doesn't get the job done.

Answer 1

I bought toothpaste that could be swallowed. We tried 2 or 3 flavors before we hit on one my son liked. We also had a game where I'd let him "help" me brush first, then I helped him.

Non-food rewards worked too. In fact he's 3 now and still wants stickers on his chart. Also I made up a song to sing while he brushed and the rule was he couldn't stop until I did.

Good luck...and remember this is just a phase :)

Answer 2

It really irks me when I hear people on this board telling people that the kids don't need their teeth brushed!! Where are you people getting this info from??? Everywhere I have read says brush them as soon as they come in!! You are even supposed to start taking them to the dentist at 6 mons-1 year old! My little girl went to the dentist for a checkup at 2 years old.

Use non-fluoride toothpaste. It's safe to swallow.

My little girl fights having her teeth brushed too. Not as bad as she used to be. She hates just about all toothpastes but some days she'll use it but most of the time we just brush with water.

What has worked with us is I showed her my silver fillings in my mouth and told her that she needs to brush so she doesn't get boo-boo's like mama. That has worked for the time being.

Try anything and everything! Just don't give up- they need their teeth brushed!

Answer 3

my daughter is 20 months old and she loves her teeth being brushed but sometimes she wont open her mouth wide enough. i just play games like let mommy see your teeth and say ahhh, or i do the same thing everyday with her like i give her a bath then i sit her on the counter do her hair then brush her teeth and then let her see herself in the mirror. i have her look at her teeth in the mirror and i explain we have to brush her teeth everyday real good so that she can smile pretty. it seems to work most of the time. also i bought a toothbrush that lights up if you push on the bottom. i told her that when she opens her mouth wide the brush lights up. i just push the button when she opens up. try that

Answer 4

she is 15 months old...try brushing your teeth at the same time, then she will see how Mommy does it. She is resisting because she is trying to be independent and do things on her own!

Answer 5

What works for my two year old...I tell her we need to brush her friends. I use the names of the teachers and children in her daycare or fictional characters. Elmo, cookie monster, etc. When she is resistant I'll say we forgot Mrs. Jenn way back there. It's worked for the past several months. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I know some will not agree with this but I will tell you what I did. I went and got the slime candy let my little girl taste it and then put it on the toothbrush. Just a dab like you would the tooth paste. Then put some tooth paste on your finger let her taste it then put it on the brush. If that don't work try the finger brushes the only thing about them is they don't come in kid flavors. Hope it helps.

Answer 7

They have these great little tooth brushes at walmart for $1.00 that have a timed flashing light on the end. Tell her she can brush till the light goes off, then you get to brush till the light turns off.

Answer 8

Try it in the bathtub while she is playing. If she still won't let you than lay her down in the bathtub (make sure the water doesnt go above her ears) and tell her you are going to brush her teeth while she lays down.

Answer 9

Try brushing your teeth at the same time. I know that with my kids its monkey see, monkey do. Or try to make a game out of it.

good luck

Answer 10

I think that age the only thing that worked for me with my 3 boys was a reward system ,hey you brush like mommy really good you get 25cents each time .try and see ,good luck to you