Hi all. I have to hold my 2 yr old down to brush his teeth. I let him brush his own teeth right before I take over, I just dont think he is thorough enough, he doesnt do the back of this teeth or go back to the molars. Its a struggle every day though. Any advice on how to make this less of a fight? or, should I allow him to do it himself everyday? Or, should I have him brush daily as usual and just do a thorough cleaning every other day or so?

I let DS pick out his tooth brush (I gathered a few that were age appropriate). The blinking ones seemed to be a great hit in the beginning. Now he has Diego. Also, I took the tip from Supernanny - I brush his teeth while singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" 3 times. Sometimes we have to sing in a silly voice to keep him preoccupied so he doesn't flip out, but most of the time he's just fine with it. I brush for 3 rounds of the song and then give him the toothbrush while I sing one last time. Good luck!

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I would let him continue to brush his own teeth, he's just learning. After he's done, you could go in and "polish" them. This worked for my boys. I told them what a good job they did and that mommy was going to polish them until they were shiny.

Kids don't really have the dexterity or ability to thoroughly brush their own teeth til they're about 5 or so...just depends on the kid. Since you indicated he's missing major areas, I would continue helping daily. I don't really have any tricks to make it easier, my kids were very compliant about it. Maybe let him choose a new toothbrush and paste? Get a fun timer? Let him brush your teeth and then you do his?

I've done a couple of different things. I've let my daughter brush my teeth, "taking turns" and then I made it a game were I was "getting the bugs". She really liked that one when she was that age and I made a lot of noise getting those bugs.

That's alot of great ideas!! Ill try them and hopefully it will work!

for us, we tried doing all the "fun" things..flashing toothbrush, one that spins etc

But when it comes down to it, you are doing the right thing, just keep pressing on and brushing teeth, even if in a head lock lol

it is very important, and costs less in the long run!

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married 8 years to a crazy Brit, mommy to a banana, she is 4 and a pineapple who is 1 year, mommy to 3 ~angel~ babies

I always do the brushing first on my two year old and then have him finish after. Sometimes he wants to do it, but I tell him Mommy has to start and then he can have his turn. That makes him tolerate my part because he wants to do it himself so badly!

I used to sing the Barney song for brushing teeth. Anyone remember this one? Now we're brushing our teeth on top, it so much fun I hate to stop, and while wer're brushing our teeth and having so much fun, we never let the water run. I went through the whole song, and it usually let me do it long enough to get all her teeth. And of course I would let her do it first. Do you know if he likes the flavor? My daughter won't take mint, she says it is too spicy. I have to get her the Aquafresh for kids buble gum flavor. My husband got her the fruit flavored Dora toothpaste, and she doesn't like that taste either.
Plus, I use a spinbrush, it just seems to me that I am doing a better job if I use one of those.

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I have nothing to declare except my genius."
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