Getting 2 Yr Old to Brush Teeth

Well, my 18 month old basically brushes the same way, though it is one of his favorite things to do . He really likes the weleda natural baby toothpaste, we just put the tiniest amount and he kind of wiggles the brush around his mouth and sucks on the brush. than I put water on the brush and he" rinses", He doesn't know to spit it out yet, maybe this is fine, baby toothpaste isn't that concentrated and I think that as long as there is some cleaning going on thats good. Since she is wiggling the brush around, It sounds like she is getting her teeth and gums clean . We always sing a silly brushing song , same one everytime, and he spaces out on a poster above the sink, maybe you can put something for her to look at while she brushes to keep her there longer.

My 3 yr old also sucks off the toothpast - We each have a toothbrush and I let him brush first then I do the real brushing - the fights have stopped

Hi C.,

I think 2 is still pretty young to understand what exactly the brushing is trying to accomplish. Plaque needs good, steady brushing to remove it. The only thing that saved me was the dentist telling my daughter that mommy and daddy have to brush your teeth. She can have her turn moving the brush around, but it's not until they are 8 that they should be brushing alone according to my dentist. Ask you dentist to give the lecture. Best of luck, AM

Hi C.-
I use a battery operated tooth brush for my son. You can use it as a regular tooth brush or "electric" toothbrush. Even if she just puts it in her mouth, the bristles will be spinning and cleaning her teeth. Also there is a timer made for children. Go to the website www.onestepbeyond.com. It teaches children how long to brush for.
On a separate note, I wanted to know more about the birthdays you coordinate at the Bronx Zoo. My sons birthday is in December-Is it too cold to have a party there?