Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

DD used to LOVE having her teeth brushed when we first started (around 7 months). When she lost interest in that, we bought her a fancy spinbrush (just like mine and DH's) that had Elmo on it. Once THAT lost its appeal, we bought her special toddler toothpaste.

She loves to help put the toothpaste on the brush, but the actual brushing is another matter. Tonight I literally had to HOLD HER DOWN to brush her teeth. I don't want things to go like that, but I'm noticing that she's starting to get some plaque because we haven't been doing a thorough enough job.

Anyone have any tricks for me? I've tried putting on her favorite show and singing a song...nothing's working.

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

I have no idea. About 4 months ago he stopped wanting his teeth brushed and it is a nightmare. Although he has lightened up over the past week or so. But I have a feeling he has a cavity and I have no idea how a dentist is going to deal with him. He needs to be knocked out.

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

Thomas likes brushing his teeth. I let him do everything... toothpaste, etc., let him brush himself and then it's "my turn" and I help him. My problem now is that he still swallows everything and doesn't get the spitting part. My dentist suggested making it a game and saying you see bananas in there and you have to brush them out... I see a cookie in there... etc.

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

Is she teething? Chels looove to get her teeth brushed but she's getting two other molars in and isn't thrilled now when I do it...

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

ds is almost 20 months and I have the same issue, he freaks out screams grabs the brush and he is plaque on his bottom teeth. it's so frustrating bc I want him to have nice teeth but I hate holding him down just before bed when he is winding down. I don't know what to do with him! I hope someone has some good advice

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

Emma loves to have her teeth brushed, however I do try to let her have some independance with it, for example, I tell her its mommy's turn, and I'll brush her teeth really quick then I let her brush them.
Thankfully this works really well, she actually asks to brush her teeth.

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

I tell her I see Mickey Mouse or Dora in there or Daddy, Owen, Grandma (you get the idea) .

I make a big production out of it and say "omg! What is XXX doing in there, let me get them out".

Sometimes I let her brush my teeth while I'm brushing hers.

Message edited 5/12/2010 10:31:40 PM.

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

We take turns.... and we brush his tongue, which he loves, so he gets to do that last!

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

I brush Reilly's teeth after breakfast and dinner while she's in her highchair. Some nights I have to hold her mouth open to do a good job. I am a fanatic about teeth, so I don't mind wrestling her. I also have her say, "Ahhhhh," and it seems to work.

Message edited 5/12/2010 10:44:40 PM.

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

Same here. Same exact story. I think it's their age and the fact that they are teething still.

I have no advice, tried all of the tricks and am curious to see the replies.

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

They love holding the toothbrush and sucking and chewing on it, but they are totally uncooperative when I try to actually brush their teeth.
It I brush my teeth at the same time, they will copy the motion, and then let me do it for a few seconds.

Re: Toddler moms--anyone else having problems brushing their teeth?

I've been having a problem wih Rylan lately too. He used to love it...not sure what happened. The only thing that kinda helps if I sing..."lets get the sillies out" from Yo Gabba Gabba. It's never a thorough job though.