teeth brushing tantrums!

Hi all;

So Miss M loves to brush her teeth, she will find her toothbrush at any time during the day and ask to brush her teeth.... Which we love!!

However, for the last little while she won't let us touch the toothbrush after it has paste on it, she must brush her teeth. If we touch it, or even try to brush her teeth it brings on a major tantrum!

It is driving us mad!!!
I love that she wants to brush her teeth, but I know she isn't doing a very good job at it at all... And Im not really keen on holding her down on the floor, or in my arms screaming just to brush her teeth. I don't want her to lose her love of teeth brushing, and I really cannot be bothered with the fight on a daily basis!

So I am open to many suggestions, any suggestions.... Experiences, anything to help out please?

Maybe 2 different toothbrushes, one for her to have and one for mum/dad to brush with? Then take turns doing it, so let her have a go for 30 seconds or so then say now it's mummy's turn and quickly brush them before she gets upset?

Or it could just be a phase, seeing as she is happy enough to brush them on her own.

We have been through many different phases since DD started brushing. She is now 2 1/2 and pretty good at having them done ( most days!) Trickes we have tried are:

- hanging her upside down (she laughs and then her mouth is open)
- giving her a brush too
- DH used electric brush on her once - she LOVED it (not sure if this is allowed!)
- the hard methos - physicall making her open mouth
- laying on couch or bed
- brushing her nose and when she laughs brush her teeth
- ask her to smile

We have used all of these a lot! There are times where we are just mean and do them no matter what (screaming can be heard a mile away!) but we figure it's a non-negotaible thing having your teeth brushed so it will be done no matter what. Hope some of the more fun ideas work!

Thank you both so much!!

I will all of them a try, because something has to give! I love that she loves to brush her teeth, but I really want them done properly.

Jordiec, I once heard a nurse tellling a lady that an electric toothbrush is fine if thats what it takes to get the brushing done, but the little boy they were talking abouthated the idea of a toothbrush coming near him... so who knows!

I think I will start trying tonight! Hopefully it goes well!

thank you again

Justine

Pretty much everything JordieC has said! Nina uses an electric toothbrush, but she's 3.5. On the packet is said from 3yrs+.

We have tried a few things. Cleaning our teeth together, cleaning the dolls teeth (of which there are none, but I think that fact has escaped DD), and doing the "aaaaaahhh"....."eeeeeeeee" noises which can probably also be heard by the neighbours. I will definitely be trying the upside trick. That should be fun. Thanks!