Yeah we have teeth brushing issues here too. I find the only way to get it done is when we are both in the bath (I suppose he is captive then and can't really get away lol). So, unfortunately he only seems to get a really good brush once a day...and it is nowhere near 2 minutes! Toothpaste is a winner for us - he won't even let the toothbrush near his mouth without it.

Perhaps you can pop into your nearest health food store and consider buying some natural toothpaste? They come in really great flavours (strawberry, orange, pineapple etc.). Whilst they are a bit more expensive, you can safely use more of them (without worry about all the nasty chemicals in Colgate etc.) and he may prefer the nicer flavours?

To compensate for the scanty brushing, I always give our DS water after meals. He also sucks his thumb, which stimulates saliva production, which helps as well.

As for seeing the dentist, I actually saw a brochure in our dentist's waiting room encouraging all littlies to have a check up before they are 1 year old. Now I don't know how much this has to do with money - it does seem awfully young to me. Having said that, perhaps it has to do with them identifying any issues (like growth, angle of teeth etc.) that may need to be addressed earlier on? In all honesty, unless they tie him down, I think there is little or no chance that my 19 month old will be happy lying back in the chair, saying "aaaah" and letting the dentist have a good look!!!!