[tomandcate]

I know there must be a lot of experience on how to brush a toddler's teeth, so please share your tips and tricks with a first time mom!

Sam has 11 teeth fully in (4 front top, 4 front bottom, 3 molars) and one molar breaking through.

The molars aren't that hard to get, and I can get all the inside surfaces pretty well.

My big problem is trying to get the fronts of his top and bottom teeth. I noticed white gunk around the front gums of his lower teeth this morning - looks like it could be plaque - EEK! I am obviously not doing a good enough job.

He sits relatively still for me, but he cranks his head back (or sticks out his tongue) when I try to get the fronts. I've tried brushing in the mirror, pulling his lips open, etc. without a whole lot of luck so far.

Also - everyone seems to have a different opinion - when was your child's first dentist visit? I don't want to take Sam before I should and don't want his first experience to happen before he's ready so he becomes dentist-phobic like I am!

Thanks in advance

Cate

[tsmaman]

Hi!
We've always struggled with the whole toothbrushing thing.
Tricks that have worked for us:
1. buying one of those automatic/electric toothbrushes for kids. They pretty inexpensive (cost/result wise). Have your child pick out his own from choices you give him. Also, let him pick out which tube of toothpaste he'd like
2. Does he like Elmo? There's a brushing teeth, getting dressed video. We would sing the song brushin teeth (jingle bells). That worked for awhile
3. Advice from my dentist: Use your thumb on the outside of the mouth between the chin and lips. Apply pressure. This keeps the mouth open longer.
4. Take your son in for practice visits, called chair rides at our dentist's office a few times before a real checkup. Our dentist advises around 3 1/2

That's it. I'm looking forward to hearing about some other tricks.

[Imani68]

I think at this age, you are only brushing his teeth to get him used to the idea and teaching a habit.

[tomandcate]

Thank you Sam, I am definitely going to try those tips.

Imani, that's exactly what I've been thinking - "no pressure, this is just to get him used to it and in the habit" - but then when I saw that white crud on his teeth I freaked out and thought, whoa --- I better get more serious about it!

[BeckyS]

Cate, does your son talk yet? Can you have him say cheese? It brings the lips above the teeth. I'm a fanatic about my kids teeth, only because I've had so many problems with my own. I want to try to avoid them suffering the pain in the mouth & in the pocket book that I have.

[riverview]

as a dentist, I lay them on the floor, get the tb ready and staddle them while singing a song. Gets it done every time!

[tomandcate]

Becky, he doesn't exactly say "cheese" yet but he makes that face when I say it to him...teeth clinched...but as soon as the brush goes in, his lips come down or his tongue comes out.

I show him how I brush my own teeth and he seems very interested and he doesn't complain...I just can't get in there where I need to be!

[tomandcate]

Riverview - I will definitely try that too! I think one thing is I need to be a little more determined/forceful, and quicker.

[BeckyS]

I know I'm probably mean but teeth care to me is serious business (again, residual from my own trauma - HA!) I would very firmly insist on compliance (with my own finger assistance, if required) & if it resulted in crying then I would tell dd that it made it that much easier to get it done.
BTW, I've recently found that dd has a cavity -- so much for my diligence!

[AdrienneG]

The electric toothbrush for kids is a great ide and works for toddlers according to moms I know with toddlers.

You can also get a clean washcloth and put toothpaste on it and rub his teeth with it.

You can play a game called "cleaning teeth time" with him when he's playing...but dont brush his teeth, just get him used to opening his mouth and pretending to have his teeth brushed...then see how he reacts when it really is teeth brushing time.

[riverview]

At 18 months, without brushing the teeth every morning and every night you are looking into decay behind the front two teeth and between the back ones. At 18 months, bring him to your dentist, let him scream ,but at least let them take a look for caries. That is all. He would most likely not let anyone clean them. I start brushing my kids teeth when there are two front ones in ... you can even just give him a tb to chew on and that helps also. Dip the brush in ACT , shake off excess and brush away. The bubble gum flavor is the best.

[AdrienneG]

Babies love songs. Make up a brushign the teeth song that he likes and only sing it when he's letting you brush his teeth.

[MamaTo6]

We take turns. First Mikey brushes his own teeth while in the bath. He has a little tooth brush that was bought at the dollar store and it is also a rattle. I put a little kid friendly tooth paste on it and let him do it himself. THEN its mommys turn. I do the best I can and after months of the same routine he doesnt mind it a bit and will keep his mouth open.

[Ians mom]

I put the lid down on the potty and stood my son in front of me facing away from me. Then tip his head back into my lap, he was small so he pretty much laid in my lap. Be careful not to keep an eye out and make sure he spits often so he doesn't choke when you do this.

He thought that was pretty fun and it let me into his mouth so I could see what I was doing.

We also used the toothbrush to "chase a mouse" around his mouth. Never did get tired of that one.

For the front teeth have him growl at you. We took turns I growled and he brushed my teeth, he growled and I brushed his teeth.

My guy loved the one on one attention and it was always a game. When he got tired of it, we quit immediately. I think it worked better that way because he would come back to the "game" 6-8 times a day.

He is 9 now and still no cavities although we do go through LOTS of toothpaste with 3 kids still playing toothbrushing games several times a day. At least toothpaste is cheaper than dental work!!

[alwaysus]

I sit down, have them stand facing away and then lay them on my lap. We started dental visits at 1 year. I am a brute when it comes to dental hygeine because I am such a weenie about dental procedures! I play the game where I will brush Pauls teeth and pretend to get distracted and then end up brushing the air in front of his face. He thinks thats hysterical.
If all else fails, just do it, the crying makes it easier anyway....( Thats sounds mean, but it's not...)