my 13 month old son reuses to let me brush his teeth and when he does open his mouth a little, really am not doing that good of a job...i have tried the baby toothbrush that you put on your finger and a baby regular toothbrush....should i just quit all together until he is a little older like 2 yrs old??
2007-03-10 06:25:07 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Hi my son is 14 months old and won't let me do it either! However if i say brush your teeth and give him his toothbrush with some adult paste on and brush my teeth at the same time he just chews on his brush. I went to the dentist with my son last week and the dentist said this is fine as long as he's not having sugary drinks/foods which he doesn't. Don't force him as he'll want to do it less!
2007-03-10 06:44:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Keep trying. My 13 month old twins don't always like to open their mouths so I can brush their teeth either, but we have made it part of the bedtime ritual anyway. If they are being difficult, I just brush my teeth. Usually they copy me with their own toothbrushes, which is better than not brushing at all. Also, I occasionally wash their teeth with a baby washcloth. I noticed that sometimes that does a better job than trying to use a toothbrush.
2007-03-10 06:53:00 · answer #2 · answered by Wilmavimom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son has been brushing his teeth every day sometimes twice a day since he has had teeth (3months old). As soon as he was old enough to hold the tooth brush I would let him do it himself and just every once ina while guide his hand along to top or side he might be missing.
Its vital for healthy teeth that he brush now. But let him do it. Take him to the bathroom with you and brush your teeth and give him his tooth brush. Make sure and buy the baby toothpaste they seem to like the taste better and there isnt any floride so its safe for swallowing.
Another idea is to just hold him on your lap and watch a tv show or movie about brushing your teeth. Dora, barney, veggy tales, etc. etc.
He'll get the hang of it but you have to be persistant.
2007-03-10 07:01:19 · answer #3 · answered by mewiegele 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol I feel for you my son was the same way. Try a spin tooth brush but do not press down on it. Even let him hold it himself. You are really just training and at two years old the dentist told me it was impossible to get a toddlers teeth really clean. Make sure your child rinses his mouth well, because there is clorine in the water that will help.
With the spin tooth brush I just barely touched it to my sons little teeth. He did not like it at first but now at seven he loves his spin tooth brush. They say don't do that, but my sons teeth have faired just fine and he has no cavities and the enamal is not warn off of his teeth either. So give it a try, and if it don't work just make sure he drinks a glass of water ever night before he goes to bed.
My son is seven we had this fight till he was five. It does get better.
2007-03-10 15:40:03 · answer #4 · answered by trhwsh 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always sing a song "this is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth." Also you can try to tell him to say "ah" and when he does brush really fast in the back, then tell him to say "cheese" and brush the front teeth. Keep doing this until you get all of the areas.
Do not quit - decay can happen at an early age. I've seen little kids with decay and it's not a pretty sight.
2007-03-10 06:54:48 · answer #5 · answered by downinmn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 18 month son, and I've brushed his teeth since he has the first tooth.- Sometimes he cries but it's a job that must be done.- Here in Uruguay there's a tv add with a funny song about brushing the teeth, I sing that song while I'm doing the job, it helps a lot.- And I gave him a glass with barney, to drink water after brushing his teeth.- I hope you understand my english.-
2007-03-10 06:31:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
How many teeth does he have? My 17-month old son has 16 teeth and I am very VERY careful to brush them 2 times a day. I know a lady who had to have 2 of her daughters teeth pulled!! I would hate that to happen to my son!!
2007-03-10 17:17:20 · answer #7 · answered by eddysmomma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have three boys and went through the same thing. With my first son I was so upset because I thought I was such a bad mom not brushing his teeth. Eventually I figured out that if I made a big deal out of it, then he would do it by himself, and and then I would let him do my teeth and I would do his. I would set a timer, and make a big deal out of it, "Oh the timer went off it's time to brush our teeth, oh my goodness hurry hurry!" At first he looked at me like I was crazy, then it was a "game", eventually he would let me brush, I would clap and sing telling him that he did such a great job. Tell him I can't wait to tell grandma and daddy.. It took a little time, but It worked wonders on all three boys. I have a good one for potty training too. :)
2007-03-10 10:39:42 · answer #8 · answered by Lisa D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 13 months having them at least chew on the brush is the best idea. Hopefully you arent using normal toothpaste. It can actualy be to rough on there teeth. They make special baby tooth paste. But my dentist always told me at that age chewing on it is the best solution do not force there mouth open that isnt right anyway. They will learn on there own all you can do is help! Good luck
2007-03-10 06:49:43 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sit down on the floor with him and brush your teeth and show him how to do it himself and as you do it act like it's really enjoyable and fun. If he doesnt pick it up keep trying as he gets older. I have a 20 month old who runs to do it because he sees his 4 year old brother doing it.
Dont worry if hes not doing a good job his teeth arent going to rot at 13 months. Just a little milk breath maybe.
Good Luck
2007-03-10 06:33:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋