How do I get 19mo old to like brushing teeth?

[livinlovinlaughin]

I am having trouble getting my ds's teeth brushed everyday. He has 12 teeth. We do not use any toothpaste yet as he would just swallow all of it. I do let him brush his teeth whenever he wants (which is not everyday but sometimes multiple times in one day). I try to get him to let me brush his teeth daily but he has not been letting me. How bad is it if his teeth are not brushed everyday? How did you get your dc to like and allow their teeth to be brushed?

[Koalamom]

My dd would cry at the site of a toothbrush.
This may sound terrible, but I told her there were bugs on her teeth and she never made fuss since. Also we never used toothpaste, but we did get some Weleda toothpaste and use a tiny bit and she now loves teeth brushing. She does swallow a tiny bit, but it has no fluoride.

[adoremybabe]

There have been many days that go by without brushing in our household. However, I do feel that it is important to brush at least once per day. I like to give my kiddos to chance to brush themselves but, one (almost 5 years) won't do it and the other (3 years) doesn't do a good enough job.

So Dh and I brush the 5 years old's teeth everyday, and the 3 year old's almost everyday. The 3 year old hates it when we brush but it's important. It's a struggle but it gets done.

I put the 3 year old on my lap in a lying down position. I have to hold her arms with one hand and brush with the other. I know, I know, not the most pleasant but, no one gets hurt and we are taking care of her teeth.

We also tell my 3 years old that there are yellow bugs on her teeth. It works and she'll generally do a good job brushing herself.