Hellobee Boards

My DD was the same way then one day I saw her sad brushing her teeth, like REAL brushing! I asked and DH said he told her "daddy does it first, then You do it" and so she lets him so she can do it herself afterwards. Now she loves it and asks to brush her teeth all day. So try then "first, then" trick or ask your SO? Lol

DS was like that - I couldn't get the brush near his teeth. I didn't force it. Then one day he wanted to copy us and he started "brushing" them. He doesn't do the best job and doesn't let me help too much, but I figure something is better than nothing. I think as he gets older he'll do a better job or let me do it. He's 17 months old.

We see who can scream the loudest. It gets her mouth wide enough for me to get in there. She doesn't fight it much, though.

We brush our teeth together, he likes to imitate us. I don't really force it or do it for him, some is better than nothing at this point, so we just try to keep it fun and a big kid activity.

When it's bath night, we usually do that last thing before he gets out of the tub. He does a better job in there for whatever reason.

We also struggle with this...he likes to hold his toothbrush and chew on it, and I make myself feel better by thinking that the teeth are still getting brushed from being in contact with the bristles at all, right? If i do manage to do it, it's usually for like 3 seconds. Probably not very effective.

We're also struggling and are in exactly the same place as you (20 months). We've tried reading Caillou: I Can Brush My Teeth, we sing songs, I let him "brush" my teeth and I try brushing his. We've tried toothpaste, no toothpaste, regular toothbrush, electric toothbrush, etc.

Will have to try the laughing thing like @yellowbird: suggests

@luckypenny: Will have to try this, too!

Can you tip him upside down? I'm thinking he'll probably giggle and you can whip the brush around while he's mid-giggle!

@mrskc: I think it's best to just to the best you can. If you really cant get in there and he's really upset, try to limit the other risk factors for cavity formation. Sugary drinks (including juice) putting him to bed with a bottle or cup of milk/juice of any kinds, sticky sugary foods constantly, etc!

I would def still try brushing twice a day. I'm sure it's just a phase and he'll snap out of it. Maybe try a spin brush and see what he thinks of it!