How can I make my 2 yr old son brush his teeth regurlarly?

Question

my son jst turned 2 he hates brushing his teeth, i jst spotted a tiny black spot in his one tooth, he doesnt go to the dentist either.
give some possible solutions plz.

Answer 1

what do you mean he doesn't go to the dentist... hes 2... he shouldn't have a choice.

Anyway, Make a "star chart":
Get a big poster board, decorating materials, and little gold stickers. Then, set a goal for him, like once he gets 10 stars you will get him a new toy of his choice. Stars could be rewarded for eating his dinner, BRUSHING HIS TEETH, small stuff like that or anything he needs to do. Then, once he reaches that goal, start over, but up the number. Eventually he will get in the habbit and you wont have to bribe him... but you dont really have many options short of holding himdown and making him. also, try kid toothpaste, and a kid brush. Oral-b has really fun ones. Good luck... check out this web site it should give some good info...

By the way, to Rachel below, A dentist would not say that a child does not have the dexterity to brush his own teeth. I know this because my uncle IS a dentist. His expert opinion is that at 2-3 years old, children can do it themselves. they may not do a "professional" job, but it is important for them to do it themselves, it gives them a sense of responsibility. If you do everything for your children all of their lives, go for it. HAVE FUN. But don't cite professional opinions when they aren't correct. Things may be different in australia, but here in the U.S. our children tend to be very independent at a young age.

Answer 2

Brushing teeth is a battle in this house too. One thing that works is having multiple toothbrushes. You then "take turns" brushing teeth. That way they feel like they have some control. and you can scrub the teeth when it's your turn. Dentists recommend parents brush their kids teeth until school age because toddlers and preschoolers just don't do a good enough job.

And take him to the dentist for the spot,

Answer 3

My son always protested when I brushed his teeth, but I let it be known that whether he likes it or not, and even if he carries on and/or cries while I do it, Mommy has to brush his teeth. Once he realized that his complaining about it was not stopping me from doing it, he started cooperating a lil bit more, which was followed by praises of how clean his teeth looked, and what an excellent job he did being a big boy for Mommy. I splurge and buy him toothbrushes and toothpaste with his favorite characters on them, and now at 26 months old, he ASKS me to brush his teeth!

Answer 4

First off that tiny black spot will only get worse. take him to the dentist. Second at that age there is only one thing to do. Do it for him. Make a game of it if you have to. That is the only way to ensure that 1 it's getting done and2 its getting done correctly. my son just turned 3 what we do is I brush his teeth first to make sure they are done well and the I let him finish.They have many products out know to make brushing kids teeth fun maybe try one of those as well. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

your pediatrician may not say he needs to see a dentist yet, but pediatric dentists start seeing kids as young as a year old. You may just want to have his teeth looked at. As far as the brushing goes ... make it fun. Get him a toothbrush with his favorite character on it. They have kids flavored toothpastes. Make up a game with him. brush your teeth at the same time, get a little timer and set it so he knows that he has to brush until the timer goes off ... then you both brush and see who can get their teeth cleaner. Whoever wins gets to pick the bedtime story ... or maybe start a star chart and if he collects so many stars he gets a special reward.

Answer 6

Go to the dentist! He should get used to seeing a dentist early and if their are black spots it sounds like decay which can be easily fixed, and not effect adult teeth. You should brush a childs teeth for them till they are about 5 years old. It is a good idea to get them used to brushing with floride free tooth paste which tastes good, and then you brush their teeth with floride paste for kids which will also taste good, also teach him how to rinse which kids love to do because it makes it ok to spit. There are hundreds of fun character tooth brushes, let him pick one out himself. Also let him brush your teeth and make a fun ritual out of it.
The value of tooth brushing is in the elbow grease and children don't apply enough pressure when they brush so they need an adult to do this for them, you will realize how little pressure they apply when you let him brush your teeth. Good luck.

Answer 7

By age 2 they need to start going in for their teeth cleanings. Make a rewards chart. Tell him that every time he brushes his teeth he gets a sticker. Get some sticker of his favorite characters. Make him sit on the toilet lid and don't let him get down until he brushes. They have toddler training toothpaste that has no fluoride in it so it is safe for them to swallow. Start with that. They have different flavors. Also, a toddler CAN brush their own teeth. My son has been brushing his since he was 18 months (With help at first), but he is almost 3 now and been brushing on his own since age 2.

Answer 8

My toddler is 2 years 8 months now. I got him to start brushing his teeth regularly ever since teeth came out. I first bought the orajel baby toothbrush and paste. I soon bought him a motorized one (there are many different designs available for children). Try to see if he would be more comfortable using this instead of a regular brush, (try to have him pick it out) also you might try different tasting toothpaste. My son has to have a certain flavor, if not he says the toothpaste is hot like, jalapenos. I would try anything, sounds like he might already be developing cavities.

Answer 9

You're the parent. You have to just brush his teeth if he won't. My sister in law brushed her 3 year olds teeth when he was that age by having him lay across her lap. That way she could see in his mouth. Have you tried different flavored toothpastes or let him choose his toothbrush. You should also bring him to the dentist.

Answer 10

first of all make an appointment at the dentist. Sounds like the beginning of decay. Second. you are the parent. You brush his teeth ...simple. There is no compromise. It has to be done. Sit him on your knee . If he screams. Great then the mouth is open and you brush. You ned to brush his teeth till he is 7-8 as he will not have the dexterity to do it himself, the dentist will tell you this. Other option is start saving for the huge costs of getting fillings done. Be the parent and get his teeth checked while you are at it