How do I get my 4 year old to brush her teeth?

Question

I have tried everything from awards to threats.

Answer 1

At 4 years old you need to still be brushing her teeth. If you let her brush yours then say now it is my turn to brush yours, it might help. Provide a timer of some sort..the sand timer or even the buzzer kind. I would let them take the brush into the bathtub so they could just scrub while they sat there. Give them a cup of water to dip into to make it more fun. I told my child about the bugs in her teeth that needed to be cleaned off in the morning and especially before bed before they would eat holes into the teeth. I know it seems harsh, but it helped motivate both my girls. Make some fuzzy little creatures out of craft materials and leave them in the bathroom as a reminder about the bugs. When your daughter is able to brush and take care of her hair, then she probably can brush her teeth correctly. Until then it is a team effort. Try not to make it a me against you kind of war. This happens a lot between mothers and daughters. It won't always be this hard....this too will pass. Rinsing with Act fluoride may also make this period not so stressful for you. Brush with plain water and then rinse a very small amount or paint it on with a cotton swab. Avoid the fruit juices or soda pops as a regular drink source too. And only sugarless gum if any is allowed.

Answer 2

I think it is Wal-Mart that has tooth brushes that play rock and roll tunes that you can only hear while you brush!
Battery tooth brushes in general are FUN!!!! They feel good in your mouth .
Brush with your new tooth brushes together, with tooth paste that SHREK picked out! After watching SHREK 1, Lots of stuff works. Including putting your foot down instead of giving into the threats of a 4 year old...If you do... those threats last for ever!

Answer 3

Find a cool tooth brush maybe even give the child several to choose from. then start off brushing you teeth at the same time as your child and make a game of it like who's got the shiniest sparky teeth

Answer 4

Well, pardon me for saying so, but this is kind of a no brainer.

You are the mother. Basic hygiene is a non-negotiable item. You simply tell her it is time to brush her teeth and watch her as she does it. Quit threatening. If she puts up an argument, remove a privilege (and follow through). It is as simple as that.

Answer 5

My son went by way of that section. i offered him a Musical toothbrush and a few toddler's listerine. He enjoyed that. Now I could desire to get him out of the bathing room using fact all he needs to do is brush his enamel so he pays attention to the song. on the weekends you may even try that agent blue stuff that makes the enamel turn blue. placed a tiny tiny quantity of toothpaste on the comb and see if she unearths that relaxing. If interior the top none of that works i could supply her some mouth cleansing gum and save attempting.

Answer 6

buy her favorite character toothbrush and the matching toothpaste, I know its a gimmick for the disney folks but it does work, kids buy in to it. Also they seem to like the battery powered spin brushes more too! My little sister used to be like that now she is like I want to brush with Ariel, the Little Mermaid lol

Answer 7

Maybe a flavored toothpaste (like bubble gum) would let her enjoy the taste and maybe a designed toothbrush with something she likes on it or tooth tunes so she can here awesome music while she does something she hates!! Try your best!

Answer 8

You should try that new mouthwash for kids.......I've seen it advertised on tv.....it turns all the plaque on their teeth blue. They also have toothbrushes that play music for as long as they are supposed to be brushing. I wish they had kewl things like that when I was a kid.

Answer 9

Take her to the store and let her pick out a crest spinbrush. They are only $5 and great for kids b/c it gets them excited to brush b/c it spins and they can pick out a cartoon character they like. Next, what does she really like? popsicles? a doll? etc. Take it away/don't let her have it if she won't do it still after the spinbrush.

Answer 10

has she seen the dentist recently? if not it's time. have the hygenist talk to her about it. for some reason, my kids always believed what the hygenist and dentist said even though i'd tell them the same thing. i had to do the brushing myself til my kids were about 6. even after that, i'd check to make sure they'd done a good job.