Topic: Toothbrushing Posted By: Wes Date: 01 Jan 2002 5:11 AM
Looking for experiences of parents whose babies/toddlers resist
toothbrushing? How do you keep it from turning into "torture?"
Responses:
Subject: Toothbrushing From: Heather Date: 02 Feb 2002 11:35 PM
We gave our toddler a toothbrush of her own just to chew/gum on when
she was sitting down with us. We didn't let her wander around with it
in her mouth in case she would fall, but she loved how it felt and got
real excited about being able to hold it and move it around in her
mouth!! When the time came to start brushing for real it was a
familiar thing and she got so excited to be adding something new
(toothpaste).
Subject: Tooth brushing From: Jane Date: 05 May 2002 4:54 PM
Our 3 yr old was also given toothbrush at young age to chew on. He
"brushed" when we did, and enjoyed the ritual. He would not let us
take a turn, and we did not want to make it an unhappy experience, so
it was left at that. Just recently, my husband had a visit to the
dentist for a cleaning. I brought our son so he could see what the
dentist was all about. Dad was late, so our son was invited into the
chair for a cleaning. To my horror, the dentist found a cavity. My
son was very impressed by my reaction, and he knew it was not a good
thing to have a hole in his tooth. He was told to brush much more, and
mom and Dad should be given a turn. So far, we still take turns so no
more holes will show up. I know all kids are different, and he
accepted the dentist experience well. Maybe it could work for you,
too.
