T.B.
We use two toothbrushes, one for my daughter and one for the parent. That way she still has something to hold onto and usually already has her mouth open using her own brush. We also practice opening our mouths when not brushing teeth, sometimes using a flashlight to look at our teeth. We all take turns with the flashlight and say ahh, say eee, sticking out our tongues (we brush their tongues every day too). She doesn't cooperate every time, but she does pretty good most days. The also try to give her lots of choices so she still feels like she is in control. Which toothbrush for mommy, which for you? Stand on the stool or sit on the toilet? Mommy brush first or you? Anything to give her more choices to elicit more cooperation. Sometimes despite all our efforts she is in a rotten mood and we just have to get through it. Our dr said a screaming child has their mouth open, so at least you will get a good brushing in. When she is like this we stand behind her and wrap one are around her arms and hold them to her body while we brush with the other hand. Not the best experience for any of us, but at least we know her teeth have been cleaned.