Posted by
qwerty123
18 yrs ago
our 9.5 month old refuses to have his teeth cleaned - he has 6 so far. he puts everythign in his mouth - but as soon as the tooth brush comes out he shuts his mouth and turns his head - we have been trying it in his bath and i have been brushing my teeth to show him - which he laughs at but when i try to get him to do it he turns his head and closes his mouth - any ideas?!
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I made a long post of tips a while ago but can't seem to find it. So here is an abridged version.
- Take him to the store and allow him to pick his own toothbrush. This makes it "his" activity.
- Be patient and don't (seem to) get mad.
- Be insistent.
- Allow plenty of time.
- Let him brush your teeth. Kids love this.
- Let him play with the brush a bit before and during. It doesn't all have to be structured.
- Perhaps sing a silly song.
- Make silly faces.
- As a last resort, you may have to force his mouth open and brush from time to time. Once you've done this a few times he'll probably understand that he can either submit willingly or be forced. It is an important lesson for kids that some things are not negotiable. If he can avoid the brushing he "knows" that he can "push you around" and will apply this knowledge to other things.
- Let someone else brush his teeth. For example when we had dinner guests, our daughter preferred one of them. That way she could save face, if you will. She was still saying no (to you) but she would allow her teeth to be brushed. It is about identity seeking in the end. Your son wants to grow up and make his own decisions. So going at it head on is doable but it is easier to use subterfuge and trickery (distraction).
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some good tips - but he is only 9 month old....so bit young ofr some of these suggestions? also should i use tooth paste and if so which sort/brand is good
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hi qwerty123, i had the same problem before (u can see my previous thread). i left my boy alone for a while, with no brushing teeth. i just continued to use a wet cloth to clean his teeth. after stopping for a month or so, i tried again. i bought a different toothbrush (oral b suitable for his age), while previously i bought the pigeon baby type. i m not sure is it because of new toothbrush of what, he seem to enjoy it suddenly! and i mean really enjoy it! ha.. i guess he like to chew on it..and the brushing action seems to relieve gum itch, i think.
so i guess like introducing food, just leave your child alone for a while, he may like it later. u never know. :-) good luck!
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you can use that rubber brush that you put on your finger (be prepared to be bitten tho!) and just force him a bit, we still do every now and then when ours (2 yrs old) refuse... gotta to be done! as for toothpaste - B2B has a few brands for little ones...
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"some good tips - but he is only 9 month old....so bit young ofr some of these suggestions? also should i use tooth paste and if so which sort/brand is good"
Which tips specifically do you think is he too young for?
If you start early life gets easier later. 9 month olds may say no but when they become 2 years old they become really good at it. ;)
As for toothpaste, use very little. Like barely a scrape to get the taste Oral-B stages is fine and can be found at the grocery store.
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cd
18 yrs ago
We used the little brush that went on your finger when the kids were tiny. And always sang This is the way we brush our teeth (to the tune of here we go round the mulberry bush),
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where do you get the finger tooth brush? baby store or any watsons/mannings will do?
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cd
18 yrs ago
seen them in the small local chemists.
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wow i bought the finger tooth brush and my baby LOVES it!!! it must tickle him or something as he was laughing like crazy which made it very easy for me to brush his teeth. although my finger did get a pretty good biting. :)
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