DD refuses to let me brush her teeth...

[tea4tamara]

My 10m daughter clamps her mouth when I try to brush her teeth. I don't fight her on it because I don't want to create a huge issue that lasts for years, but I'm worried that I'm not cleaning them enough. Any advice from people who've had this problem before?

[vioburn]

At 10 months, it's common for her not to want to brush her teeth. Will she let you maybe take a washcloth and wipe a little? I know they make toothbrushes for the little ones that they can just chew on, instead of brush. One package I saw had 3 stages of brushes or something like this...http://store.babykingandqueen.com/bb2501a.html or this http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/322762.html

Good luck!!

[tea4tamara]

Thanks, I'll look into those!

[GreatfulMomma]

It could be helpful to have a special toy/object for her to hold and play with only when she lets you brush her teeth. I love distraction for getting little ones to cooperate. Over time, they begin to link tooth brushing as something pleasurable. This worked for my dd

[mamasee]

Originally Posted by tea4tamara

My 10m daughter clamps her mouth when I try to brush her teeth. I don't fight her on it because I don't want to create a huge issue that lasts for years, but I'm worried that I'm not cleaning them enough. Any advice from people who've had this problem before?

I agree that not creating a power struggle about it will serve you both well in the long run. With my dd, we sang a song about it (I just made up words -"brush, brush, brush your teeth, brush them every day" to the tune of "row, row, row, your boat"). My dd also used to chew on a toothbrush a lot to help her with teething. Maybe not the best idea (because of the plastic) but I figured it made her happy about tooth brushes and she was, in fact, brushing her own teeth by doing this.
Also, my dd needed to be held A LOT so she was held through all my toothbrushing every night. Holding your dd while you brush might be fun or inspiring for her.
Hang in there, mama. I think if you don't push it, she will eventually get in the groove. If not, keep asking for advice and you will get it from all the great mamas out there.

[Koalamom]

As long as you are eating well, as well as your daughter, brushing teeth isn't nesecary till atleast 2 yrs old. I do have Uncleharrys.com remineralzation powder on hand to put in my daughter mouth (she is 17 months) to alklanize her saliva, and there is no need to rinse. But we only use this if she eats some junk food a someones house.