My toddler used to be OK with tooth brushing; however, the past month or so she will not open her mouth for me to do it. If she does, she immediately clamps down and throws a fit until i let go and have her do it. She doesn't actually brush but just sucks the training paste right of the bristels. Any suggestions on how to actually brush her teeth? She is getting back molars in so that could be the culprit. Should I be concerned about tartar and her gums from not actually brushing?
2007-03-27 06:18:37 · 5 answers · asked by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 in Health ➔ Dental
Try giving her the toothbrush, and you take yours and brush together. Make it fun! Look in the mirror and brush.
Sometimes they get so "into" it, that they'll let you take their brush while you're talking or singing to them and won't even know that you're brushing their teeth.
2007-03-27 06:33:14 · answer #1 · answered by DB2KP 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Same problem here. I just let her have the brush without any paste (don't want her thinking its ok to eat paste) and allow her to practice. I also bought one of those textured baby teeth cleaners that you slip on your finger. She gets the brush, I get her teeth cleaned using my finger method, everybody remains happy.
It also helps when you turn tooth brushing into a game you do together and have her imitate what you do (if she's interested you know how toddlers are).
Relax its just a phase and she will be out of it in a few months. Good news is by the time her adult teeth come in at 6 she will have learned why it's important to brush and those she will care for her lifetime.
2007-03-27 13:30:01 · answer #2 · answered by nicolette 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's sad, but I sometimes have to hold my son down to brush his teeth. He had two cavities on his front teeth so yes the do need to be brushed. He is getting better at letting me. Try telling her she watch a movie or something or something else she likes to do, but only if she lets you brush her teeth.
2007-03-27 13:30:18 · answer #3 · answered by dumbblond 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How about taking her to the dentist and let them help her with this and show her more how to brush her teeth etc ?
2007-03-27 13:23:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you brush your teeth act like you did something good. If she does it give her a treat. Give her a cookie or even a high five. Dont worry she will brush her teeth if you do this. Just make sure you always give her a treat!
2007-03-27 14:55:30 · answer #5 · answered by K 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋