any tips for brushing teeth?

Up until recently we had been using a finger toothbrush and the kids tolerated it. We switched to real toothbrushes and they don't mind us brushing. In fact, they seem to really like it. That is part of the problem. My DS has decided to start throwing a fit every night when we are done, to the point of screaming and flailing when I put the toothbrush away. Any tips on making it easier at this age, and if not, when did you start to have better luck. Its not an option to rush through it, because the child already has 8 full teeth and 8 partially through (!)

 

I think just stick to your guns and they will eventually realize. Mine went through that for a day...they wanted to hold it and keep chewing it. Once you draw the line they learn quick.

 

i find warnings work well (ie 5 more brushes and then we're all done!). also, our toothbrush holder is a bobble headed cat - so the treat at the end of brushing is getting to bobble the cat. ardon: GL!

 

I say keep it up and I also let them hold a toothbrush while we brushed. Then we progressed to having them help us brush their teeth and help them brush our teeth.

 

We brush their teeth, then we let them brush them for a minute, then we let them get a sip of water from a cup, then we go straight to reading a book. We just make each thing sound more exciting than the previous and they happily move through the process. GL!

 

We recently switched to just using toothbrushes; we used to let them brush with a toddler toothbrush and then finish up with the finger brushes, but they were throwing the toothbrushes, then biting the crap out of our fingers. Now we take them into the bathroom, let them sit on the counter and play with the soap/toothpaste/water while we brush, and then we "reward" them by letting them drink out of an open cup afterward. This is enough of a big deal for them that they gladly give up the toothbrushes. Then we promise them nursery rhymes after drinking (they are really into nursery rhymes right now), and they move right from drinking to reading.

 

We use Spry Toothgel so they get to "brush" their teeth first. "Brush" means they pretty much just chew on the brush. B/c I am using the tooth gel, its safe to swallow so I don't mind them "brushing" their teeth first then I get too. Makes the whole ordeal much easier to face.

 

LOL. It was letting him hold it first that started the whole thing off because I brushed DD's teeth first, then when I wanted to take it from him to brush his he threw the epic tantrum! I think I will look into buying two more toothbrushes so he can continue to hold it while I brush. I am so conflicted at this age because they are on the baby/toddler borderline. I try to use warnings, make things exciting (go read stories, nurse, etc) but I wonder how much they actually understand.

We may have switched to these brushes kinda early, but I value keeping my fingers too! As I said, wild man is already getting his molars and his canines, so once everything is poked through he will have 16 teeth