Issues W/ Brushing Teeth in 3 Year Old. AHHH!

Maybe let her do it herself?

My husband was the one that taught the teeth brushing. He took our son to pick out the brush he liked and toothpaste then every night and a.m. he brushed his teeth he would get a quarter. For the first week daddy went in then after that our son was required to do it himself. Yes at three. Footstool and all. Of course, I check and make sure there isn't a mess or if help is needed but I usually watch and chat or brush my teeth too. No need for me to get physically involved.

You are creating a habit. Once done, it sets in and they know what to do and you just have to make sure they go in there and brush before privileges - like story time at bed.
We no longer reward with money.

Also - kid's teeth are so healthy at that age - no vigorous brushing needed. Try raw carrots and rarely any candy and you will be okay. Our dentist said as long as the paste gets in their mouth, that is enough to fight bacteria.
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She's just showing a little independence that is all. It's a good thing - you want her to learn to do this on her own and want to do it for herself.
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I also find teeth brushing a happy time. Something about the water running and looking at themselves in the mirror. They are so funny! Enjoy this time as much as you can!
To happy teeth, C.

We had the same problem, and I simply went and bought a new toothbrush for him. Not just any toothbrush though, I got him one of the $5 electric toothbrush's with his favorite character on it, and it was such a new novelty, and he thought it was so cool, he was excited to use it.

Hope this helps,

A. F

Just a thought...maybe you make a deal with your 3 year old if she will let you help get the back teeth without complaint she can pick out a new toothbrush. Maybe you could even buy a good electronic one for her to use and then maybe you wouldn't have to go back over the teeth. One other thought...maybe you could put your hand over hers and just guide her hand over the back teeth and then she is the one doing it. Good luck!
C.

Ok, 1st let me say I am starting to go thru this with my son who just turned 2. He is not cooperating as much as he use to and it becomes a struggle. He will take the brush himself though. I just brought my 4 yr old daughter to the dentist for the 1st time this week and I learned a lot!! Kids aren't born with the bacteria that causes cavities it's something they catch apparently from us adults or older kids either by sharing drinks or lollipops, etc. Also limit any type of juice between meals and do not let her graze on snacks all day. I really thought my daughter would be riddled with cavities because of our forgetfulness and the juice she drank before bed, but to my relief she is cavity free. Chances are she's just pushing your buttons this week! Don't make it out to be a big deal in front of her. Maybe you can bring her to pick out a new toothbrush and toothpaste! Good luck and hang in there!!

I went through this with my son when he was 3, too. I did everything from buying new brushes-all different types, to giving rewards to getting angry. Nothing worked. I finally decided it had to be done once each day, so I held him in my lap and just did it while he screamed and squirmed. It was terrible, but I kept on and about 3 weeks later he let me do it and we've had no trouble since. Good luck!!

Forget it for a few days. Her teeth are not going to rot out of her head! When she realizes she is not pushing a hot button she will probably suggest the tooth brushing again herself. (Or not!!! --then you try something else)
D.

Instead of a forced issue, make it a fun one, where you get to put a sticker on the chart every time you brush. Have it fun where you all brush the front (like sing this is the way we brush the front ,then middle, then back) And as far as the back ones, some children have a gag issue, it may just be making her uncomfortable when you brush hers. And at three, I don't think you have so many worries about them rotting out yet if they aren't did perfectely, they are just learning.

I sing to my daughter while we are brushing teeth. The singing distracts her and she lets me brush her teeth. Maybe find a song your child likes and make is a game. Make her brush while you sing. When you stop, she stops. When you sing, she brushes. Great idea taken from the show Supernanny. Good luck!

We made it a game and the game was to chase and get rid of sugar bugs on our teeth. I know it sounds silly but it worked. We now have a 14yr old with perfect teeth

To this day she will not leave the house before brushing and will not go to bed before brushing.

Make it a game and fun with a cool toothbrush!!!