More Teeth Brushing Ideas Needed - Page 2

[reezley]

Originally Posted by Poodge 

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! 

This is what we did and so far it is working - I took DS to the store on Friday and let him pick out a new toothbrush and his very own toothpaste (non-flouride). Then I bought another toothbrush in a different color but same style. I made it a very big deal that he was picking his own stuff out and had his very own tube of toothpaste. I told him that he would use his toothbrush and toothpaste first and then mommy would use her toothbrush after him. For some reason he loves the toothpaste (I think it taste awful) so this is working for now. In addition I bought a sheet of stickers that he picked out and gave him one right away and told him he could have another one every time he let me brush his teeth. He is now asking to have his teeth brushed twice a day and isn't even requesting a sticker after two days, so I just give them to him at random or when he asks. I really hated going with a reward for toothbrushing, but it is working. 

Cool, glad it's working so far!  I was just going to say that singing a short song while brushing has usually worked.  Along with g-e-n-t-l-e forcing of the brushing if he was refusing..... meaning, I'd kind of hold him down and all but I'd stay really positive in what I'm saying and in my tone. I'd be saying that we really need to get the cookies/sugar/crackers/whatever out of his teeth, I'll sing a 20-second song, you'll see!..... and as soon as he opens even a little I say "You're doing great!!" and that usually encourages a bit more.
 

[PDXMom]

My daughter is 23 months and always HATED having her teeth brushed, and we were holding her down to do it, which I HATED...  but then I had an idea that has worked really well for us!

I tell her, "I'm going to brush your teeth for 10." And as I brush her teeth I count slowly from 1 to 10. She often repeats the numbers as I say them. She knows that there is an end, because 10 is a finite amount of time, and also the enjoyment she gets from saying the numbers distracts her from the discomfort that brushing seems to cause her. So far so good (knock on wood)!