My son is 18 months old and has 9 teeth. I started brushing his teeth ever since he had 4 teeth. He used to let me brush his teeth with no problem and would even participate. Lately he would have a fit if I even try to get the toothbrush near his mouth. I tried letting him play with his toys while I try to brush his teeth and also try to distract him to no avail. Any mamas have tips on how to brush an 18 month old's teeth?
Thanks.
I just wanted to tell you I can relate. My 16 mo old daughter just clamps down her mouth. She hates me brushing her teeth. I can get in a brushing for about 1 second total and then she is done. I have tried so many things to make it fun but nothing has worked so far!
Our pediatrician dentist suggested to give my tooth brush to my daughter and let her brush my teeth while I was brusing hers. This worked great! And ever since she just let me brush her teeth for a little bit knowing that she will get to do it by herself after I was done. Good luck!
When my children were younger, my husband and I would distract them with the "EEEEEE/AAAAAAA" game. We would tell them how long they could sing "EEEEE" during which time we brushed the front of their teeth. And then when they sang "AAAAAA" we'd brush the back of their teeth. And, of course, we'd always make a big fuss about what great singers they were and how loud they were. They loved the attention and it just worked for us.
I learned that my toddler is much better when he holds a second toothbrush and we brush together at the same time. He'll brush one side and I'll brush the other, then switch.
We got our daughter a signing tooth brush (from walmart) and she loves it.
We have the counting one. =)
try using a wash cloth for a change
my son is 21 months and he loves brushing! he has 2 toothbrushes, one that i use to brush his teeth, and one for him to do mine at the same time. He thinks brushing mommys teeth is the most fun game!
Sing. We sing the Elmo song because "la la la la" gets her mouth open. If necessary I lay her on the floor facing away from me (never got the hang of it with her head in my lap) and brush her teeth that way. We also say, "say EEEE" to get the fronts of her teeth. If it helps, let him "brush" yours at the same time, or have everyone brushing to show him it's fun.
When my daughter was about 1, I just gave her the toothbrush with the toddler/baby tooth paste on it, and let her brush/play with her own teeth (watching her of course). After she was done (I still do this today), I prop her up on the sink counter and tell her to say 'cheese' and brush them for her, making sure to get all her teeth.
