She's stubborn & strong-willed (like her mama, lol), which can be good. But the problem is she refuses to let me brush her teeth almost every night now.This has gone on for awhile.I've taken her to the dentist for a professional cleaning & hoped they would give her a good "talking-to", but they didn't. She didn't like the strong toothpaste they used,so I tried threatening to take her back if she won't brush, but it hasn't worked.(Also I don't want to turn the dentist into a negative,fearful thing.)She has at least 10 different toothbrushes(regular & battery-operated),at least 6 different kinds of toothpaste from toddler to regular kid stuff, from fruit to bubblegum flavor.And still she kicks & screams & covers her mouth.She won't do it herself either.I started a reward chart,but it doesn't seem to be having much effect.She sees me brushing & flossing all the time.I know it's a power struggle between us, but if I don't react & just do nothing, I know she'd never brush. HELP!!! Thanks.
2006-11-01 16:54:10 · 15 answers · asked by auntmimi210 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
You need to take control of this situation. She is three years old and should not be dictating things like this. There should be no choice or negotiation. She does not leave the bathroom until she has had her teeth brushed.
Explain that if she doesn't look after her teeth, they will fall out and she will look ugly. Also explain that if she doesn't take care of her teeth the dentist may have to drill them out, which is also unpleasant. Finally, explain that if she can choose between her teeth being cleaned, or a spanking followed by her teeth being cleaned.
I am not one to advocate spanking children, but some times a line has to be drawn. And you are right, you should not be using the dentist as a threat. This will only make things worse in the long term.
2006-11-02 18:03:38 · answer #1 · answered by ZCT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if they are still available, but you used to be able to buy these little red tablets that you could chew and they would show the places where the plaque was that you needed to brush. Kids think it's cool because it's like a science experiment. They are totally safe. Ask at some pharmacies, and maybe check with your dentist about where to find them. It might just help your child kick in to the habit.
You say she doesn't let you brush her teeth at night - does that mean she does allow it at other times of the day? Maybe it's time to let your husband have a try at it - sometimes there's a different relationship between father and daughter.
2006-11-01 23:17:37 · answer #2 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you take her to a pediatric dentist, if not try next time they do not use strong or nasty tasting paste or gels on a little one. My daughter did the same thing at 2, I held her down & brushed her teeth , she would cry & get mad. I would tell her afterward, if you do not want mama to then you do it. She came around & started brushing her own teeth, after I would tell her I needed to see what good work & I would go over her teeth. Good Luck, Hope I was of some help!
2006-11-01 17:05:07 · answer #3 · answered by notAminiVANmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all i can say is keep trying. my sister in law had the same problem and just had to keep taking her girl to the dentist every couple months for a good cleaning. i see that you've tried the reward chart and it hasn't worked, what about taking away a favorite toy? she doesn't get it back until she gets her teeth brushed, do you think that might work better for her? sorry you're having a hard time. hope you find something that works soon.
2006-11-01 17:00:29 · answer #4 · answered by Mandi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My four girls all would allow me to do this when I let then hold there own toothbrush in their hand for a few minutes and encouraged then to brush while I brushed my teeth. Then, I would ask to see their pretty teeth and then just say oh look there's a little spot there to brush still. I would end up brushing their teeth but they didn't really notice I was doing it because I distracted them while indulging that stubborn independent part with lwtting them hold their toothbrush.
2006-11-01 17:00:26 · answer #5 · answered by izzual 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We give out and also use for our kids these little finger brushes. They fit snuggly on your, (the parents), pointer finger and have a tiny soft brush head. Since its on your finger you have the tactile sensation and you can tell that you are not hurting them I just gave out my last one today. You have to do it consistently twice a day. Eventually they will want to do it themselves. Then ya know its time to get them their own brush. You really need to brush your kids teeth for them from 9months to 6 yrs. old, Regaurdless of weather they try to brush their own teeth because they lack the dexterity. After 6 yrs they lack the motivation. Be sure to start them with Gel, not paste. Gel comes in flavors and kids like it more.
2016-05-23 11:11:56 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 3 year old little girl too. She will brush with no problem or prodding sometimes. Then other times she refuses also./ She is a very prissy, girly little girl, she likes jewelry, clothes, her hair combed etc..(i know, i have a bigger problem brewing)
//So I tell her the truth, and it works. I tell her if she doesnt keep her teeth clean they will turn brown and green from Rot, and they will fall out and she wont look so pretty without any teeth.
2006-11-01 17:05:52 · answer #7 · answered by milkmansbaby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put her in time out-no tv- and tell her about cavities=and losing your teeth- got some pics of old people w no teeth- in magazines maybe- will she brush your teeth?? It is an idea- maybe she will take turns= and see that it is ok- find out what she likes or dislikes about it= ask your pediatrician or DDS_D
2006-11-01 17:03:50 · answer #8 · answered by Debby B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to make the things you want them to do, that they don't want to do FUN.
For my two, aged 4 and 2, I sing to them. This will sound weird, but they love it....firstly I go "George, George, George of the Jungle, George for you and me...AAAAH watch out for that tree" (why does this work, because they get to say AAAH, and I get their mouth open), to brush the front of their teeth, I say a riddle that has everything starting with S..like"the slithering snake slides through the swamp"; because it is a tough twister they find it enjoyable when they have to correct me....Silly but it works in my house...they love brushing their teeth now, and at that time ask me for "George, George" instead of brushing their teeth. Because it is a little silly we all get enjoyment out of it....good for a laugh.
2006-11-01 17:03:52 · answer #9 · answered by chelles_insanity 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I don't know if your daughter has any siblings, but I have 3 kids and my youngest has to do everything that his older brother & sis do....maybe you could find a "buddy" for her and have the buddy brush and she'll be inclined to do so too! Also, our dentist has pictures of "cavity bugs", cartoon versions of course but my little boy really responded to wanting to brush the cavity bugs away
2006-11-01 17:03:51 · answer #10 · answered by hodgesclan@verizon.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋