My 22 month old little girl REFUSES to let me brush her teeth. She clamps her teeth down or screams and cries. I know part of the reason is because she has some oral motor issues and sensory issues around her mouth. I have discusses this with her therpaists, but nothing is working. She will do one side, and will occasionally let me do the other. But, she will not let me anywhere near the front or bottom. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.
Thank you to everyone for your help. Brushing her teeth is still a battle, but it seems to be getting a little easier each day.
Hi
I have the same problem with my son. He is now almost 5. But it is still an issue but it is much better. My son also has apraxia and sensory issues. He is very into routine so I found that brushing his teeth every nite while he is in the tub helps. We play a little and do one part at a time. I have just recently started using tootpaste and he is doing better than expected. Good Luck!
whe your husband is home or another adult have her sit on one persons lap face to face with legs wrapped around them that person's job is to lay back the child while holding her hands and rest her head into the other adults lap that person brushes
if you are soloand can't get her open use your finger and put it on the gums behind her last molar she will stay open its imprtant to use a pea size or less of fluoridated toothpaste and start with the chewing surface of the teeth
no straight juice water down
no sticky foods like fruit snacks
nothing but water at bedtime
call with any question about the knee to knee brushing
J. rdh
dr norman mills
pediatric dds
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Hey Jenni, Im in the same phase. My 21/2 daughter will not let me brush her teeth. What is sort of working for me is letting her take control. Let her experiment with the toothbrush for a day or so and while you are brushing your teeth make a gane out of it. what works for me is making silly sounds for each part of the mouth ex ummmmm, ahhh, ooooh. She really loves it and she scrubs the heck out of her teeth and they get clean, (I hate plaque:)) Try it let me know how it works!
We took our daughter to the dentist and use the experience daily to reminder of the importance of teeth brushing. I have also used the threat of a cavity if she does not do a good job and that to get a cavity filled is not usually fun b/c it is a boo boo on your tooth.
K.
Even though she is little you need to talk to her about how important her teeth are. Ask her if she would like to pick out her own toothbrush (one that is her size of course) and the flavor of toothpaste. They have so many types of toothpaste now that you are bound to find a flavor she likes. Try brushing YOUR teeth while she does hers. Tell her she can help you and let her. Believe me, you would rather do that battle then have her need root canals and crowns.
Hi Jenni , Have you talked to your daughters dentist about this . He could probably help alot . I know my sons Peds dentist did , he hated his teeth beening brushed and I have problem teeth so I swore I wouldnt let that happen to my sons . The dentist suggested having my son pick his own tooth brush (electric)and allow him to get used to it . Tell your daughter she can brush her teeth 1st . Then mommy will brush her teeth . I even let my sons brush my teeth and giggled alot . Both my son go to the dentist every 6mnths to ensure we are not missing anything . My sons dentist is awesom .
His name is Dr Zucero out of Res Hospital at Harlem and Talcot .
Good luck
Brush her teeth to the best of your ability. I think you should get at least one good brushing in a day, preferrably before bedtime. For morning, brush the best you can and give her an apple, the apple will get rid of some of the crud on her front teeth. also, lots of water throughout the day. No sticky stuff. Good Luck!
My DD is the same way. We got one of those battery operated toothbrushes and she is so excited about it she now lets us brush her teeth. I don't know if your DD would like that is she has problems in that area but maybe letting her pick out a toothbrush would help? Good luck!
We had the same problem with our almost 2 1/2 year old and I read somewhere that a lady told her little one she had elephants or hippos whatever works in her month and mommy wanted to get them out. It works every time and she thinks it a game.
Good luck,
K.
definitely try the electric toothbrush. my son hated brushing his teeth too...it was a two person effort for us. we bought an electric brush and like magic, he will sit there and open his mouth for us to brush. sometimes, he will do it himself.
good luck!
