Tooth brushing
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: First baby? Second or more?
Forum Description: Want help? Need support? Want tips? Men and women share advice and tips in this supportive community
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40635
Printed Date: 18 August 2025 at 9:30pm
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Topic: Tooth brushing
Posted By: snugglebug
Subject: Tooth brushing
Date Posted: 28 September 2011 at 9:56pm
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I am having a hard time brushing my 10 month old's teeth. At first he liked it but now he hates it and clamps his mouth shut or sticks his tongue out.
I have tried a few things, from making him laugh to get his mouth open then sticking the brush in, modelling brushing my own teeth, letting him brush my teeth then trying to get him to brush his, trying to make it fun and positive, and plain just trying my best to get into his mouth. I have used a flannel with some toothpaste on just to clean them a little, but it's hard work. Im aware that you should be brushing teeth twice a day but Im only managing once at the moment and half the time Im not sure you could call it a brush? As it's more of a swipe where I can get in lol. Any tips? ------------- Me 28, DH 29 DS born 20 Nov 2010 (4 years old) #2 due October 7 http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: sbeach
Date Posted: 29 September 2011 at 9:00am
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WJ we have had issues here too... I gave up on a brush as she was more interested in chewing it. Would rather re-introduce teeth brushing when she is older than allow the association of chewing the tooth brush so gave up on brushing altogether. Now just give them a good rub with a flannel/cloth twice a day when I am washing DD face. She hasnt rejected that yet and its easy as they are all at the front! Do get bitten a bit but am used to that!! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 29 September 2011 at 2:42pm
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We started getting a bit more serious about brushing when DD was about 1. We also started by giving her her TB to chew on after her bath while she was on sheepskin getting dressed. She is now 15mo and just starting to get the hang of it, so don't stress too much!
We have a step ladder in the bathroom, and she climbs up and stands so she can see herself in the mirror. I clean my teeth at the same time, and she likes to copy, but esp likes the bit where you wet the brush under the water. It took ages to get to this point, I brush my teeth 3 times a day, so she got lots of practice, but def had to be on her terms! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: KiwiAtHeart
Date Posted: 30 September 2011 at 9:57am
We started by letting DD chew on her toothbrush as that way she got used to it. She hated it going anywhere near her mouth before but after a few weeks i could manage to do a quick brush of her teeth, and now she does it on her own (and likes it ) so it's something you could try. I think most babies are going to be inclined to chew on their brush, but usually grow out of it with some guidance. The problem i have at the moment is getting DD to spit it out, which shes starting to get the hang of. Fun times  -------------  
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Posted By: Sharlene28
Date Posted: 30 September 2011 at 12:28pm
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My 18 month old kicks and screams when you try and brush his teeth....sigh ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 30 September 2011 at 12:38pm
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I lay the boys down on their backs between my legs with their heads towards me and I lay my legs over their arms. Its really hard for them to keep their mouths closed in that position and I can see right to the back of their mouths and get everything out and they can't grab the toothbrush lol its a game for them, even DS2 brings his brush over and lays down straight away with a smile. While they're either waiting for their turn or had their turn and waiting, they brush their own teeth. DS1 is pretty good at it but hes not thorough enough which is why we still do it once a day. They both do their own teeth by themselves in the morning. -------------   
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Posted By: MamaT
Date Posted: 30 September 2011 at 1:26pm
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OMG Babe - congrats hun!!!!!!!!!!
Back on topic, DS has a toothbrush in the bath to play with, always has and I give his teeth a wipe while he's in there playing. In the mornings, he and I brush our teeth together, he has a little step stool by the basin and gets so excited about it all. He generally just chews, with a little brushing action of the back teeth, but hates and refuses to do his front teeth, so I either grab his bath toothbrush and give them a quite brush, or I use a flannel and give them another wipe. Seems to work for us. If he gets upset by it though, I don't push it, or it will end up being a major battle and something he'll end up hating, which I don't want. -------------  
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