How on earth do you brush a 2 year olds teeth?

Question

I have let my daughter gnaw on a toothbrush since she was about 9 months old and I have always tried to brush what I could, but when I put the toothbrush in her mouth she sticks out her tongue! I'm starting to get worried as I know her dental hygiene is probably not benefiting from the toothbrushing she is getting. HELP!! or do you know how bad this is for a 2 year old?

Answer 1

No they bite

Answer 2

I have a two year old who has actually had to have her teeth reconstructed due to decay. She would only go to sleep with a bottle. So we are now very conscience of her oral hygiene. She also didn't like to have a toothbrush in her mouth. I found that letting her due it herself and then letting me finish worked really well and to make it more fun I got her an electric toothbrush. She loves to brush her teeth now even though it's still not a perfect job all the time there's no more fighting to get a brushing in. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Have you tried using a different flavor toothpaste? Maybe she doesn't like the kind you have now.

What I would do is make sure she sees me brush my teeth in the correct way, hand her her toothbrush and ask her to do the same. Children love to imitate and this may work with her. Also getting some books about dental care for kids and reading them to her, making sure she understands how important it is, would be a good idea. Make a big deal out of it when she doesn't stick out her tongue for toothbrushing. Lots of positive reinforcement will help her along to getting it done the right way.

Good luck!

Answer 4

My daughter and I have this struggle daily. She "brushes" her teeth by chewing on the toothbrush and eating the toothpaste. Usually, when she is done, I give her mouth a once over myself with the toothbrush and I have to hold her mouth open to do it. Sometimes she cooperates better if we are brushing our teeth together. I'd try the library for some teeth brushing videos. Bear in the Big Blue House probably does them, and maybe Elmo.

Answer 5

Buy a stool for the bathroom so that she can stand in front of the sink and see herself in the mirror. Buy her a brand new toothbrush with her favorite character and buy a kitchen timer. Explain to her that as part of her morning and bedtime routine you both will be brushing your teeth.

As a team, you each rinse your own toothbrushes (you may have to hold her up to reach the water). If you have already brushed your teeth, you can opt out of using toothpaste. Set the timer for two minutes and start brushing your teeth. Make sure she stays in the bathroom. When the timer goes off, you each rinse your own toothbrushes and put them in the storage cup. Rinse your mouth whether you used toothpaste or not, but don't bother rinsing with her.

Do this every morning and every evening before bed. You are her example. You can even take the time to get down and show her how you brush. You might even try counting her brush strokes with her (10 in front, 10 on each top and bottom side), or singing a tooth brushing song. You should both brush for two minutes every time.

I wouldn't panic too much about what you haven't done to this point. I would mostly let her brush herself, unless she had some sort of candy or sweet that may have stuck badly. In that case, let her brush first, ask her to open wide, and say that you see something you need to get with her toothbrush. Or you could make a "once over" by you at the end part of the routine.

After a month or so of this, she should have the basics down. Then you can add a little drop of Little Bear toothpaste or another child toothpaste that is Safe to Swallow. She may think it tastes good, so be sure to put the toothpaste on yourself and put it out of reach when not in use. Don't worry about rinsing. I also start emphasizing the need to brush her molars good, since little ones are more likely to brush their front teeth more.

I would wait until she is at least three and a half before switching to regular kid toothpaste. You can even have her start practicing rinsing and spitting with a cup of water a few months before. When you switch, emphasize that she should not swallow the toothpaste because too much could make her sick.

Start reading books to her about going to the dentist (there's Dora one that's pretty good). This will help her understand that the purpose of brushing is to prevent cavities. You can also make a big deal about how brushing helps get rid of stinky breath. If she seems to be having tooth pain (as opposed to teething pain), make an appointment for a dentist. Ask your dentist at what age they like to see kids for their first check up. Some don't do anything until age 4 unless there is a problem. Others like to schedule a "meet and greet" visit before the first check up.

This worked with my older daughter who is 4 1/2, and she had a perfect check-up. We started at around age 2 as well. Now my 19-month old brushes along with big sister. I had to get another stool, so they could each have their own while brushing.

Answer 6

I was worried about my 2-yr-old daughter's teeth too. She absolutely refuses to let me help her. First I asked the dentist and he simply said that they get another set of teeth for a reason... so he obviously wasn't that concerned. Then I asked the playgroup mommy's and they abruptly told me to just let her do it on her own and not to force her or she's going to end up not wanting to brush her own teeth even without my help. SO - I just make sure that she brushes her own teeth every morning and night and take her to a dentist every year for a check up and fluoride treatment. A lot of times in the morning I brush my teeth at the same time and we have fun watching each other brush our teeth and she's seems to brush a little more that way.

Answer 7

you can buy toothbrushes for toddlers that fit over the end of your finger ... I always gave a small toddlers' toothbrush to my son to hold while I went in with the fingertip one and brushed his teeth.
Brushing the teeth of a two year old takes a whole LOT of patience, but hang in there!

Answer 8

Make it a game, if they see value in performing the task they are more likely to do so.

I have two times a day set up for this activity and my kids are aware of them. They also know if they perform these tasks with minimal hassle, they will receive a prize of some sort. Get creative, it doesnt always have to cost money. i have found an extra story at bedtime, 5 minutes more outside before dark, etc ...work really well.

The biggest thing is make it a habit, my kids now remind me that its time. i also take this time to teach them how to do the task themselves. I will let them have a go at it, then do a more thorough job when they are done.

Hope this helps....

Answer 9

I have been told that you are supposed to brush them twice daily. However i have some of the sameproblems as you do. I try to make it a normal part of the day, and unfortunatly sometimes it end in me being the bad guy. But when you think a little complaining by your child now or Hundreds of dollars to a dentist later.

Answer 10

I began the struggle with my 1 yr old baby at about 7 months, eventually she got used to it and now she will actually sit still and open her mouth.
My three year old is good as well because I have always been presistent with it, which can sometimes be difficult when they do not want to cooperate. It helps if I sing to my oldest. It may seem silly but it works. I always sing..."Brush your teeth cha cha cha cha cha cha cha cha"...and keep repeating it. Making it interesting is the best way that I have found to keep them interested and cooperative. Stick to your guns and she will get used to it. Also, it may work to tell her she can not have any goodies if she is not going to let you brush her teeth. Good Luck!

Answer 11

I sit my daughter on the counter and she does it herself while I brush mine then after im done I ususally do a turn of me brushing hers, just to make sure. And she likes to get the toothbrush wet before its her "job" as we say.