How to get 15 month old to brush her teeth?

[Meluchja]

We can't seem to get DD to brush her teeth (not that she has many). But I'm getting concerned about it, as I don't want her to be a non brusher as I was when I was little, and now I'm paying for it big time.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get her brushing her teeth on her own, or letting us do it.

She does sometimes chew on her toothbrush, is this enough? And she screams everytime I try to do it. And I don't want to have to keep pinning her down, as she will definately hate to do it, and refuse to do it.

Any help would be great, Thanks.

[Rach75]

does she watch you do yours

I started Jack when his first tooth came thru somedays he is happy for me other days well but thise days I wash them over with a washer, but how bout making it fun let her brush your teeth in the latest PP mag a lady said she calls it tickling her teeth

[Meluchja]

Tickling your teeth, that might be a good idea, thanks.

I let her do mine, then she attempts to do her own, but doing mine is just so much more fun apparently

Will give the tickling a go.

[Meluchja]

BTW Rach, happy birthday to Jack I have a Jack too, but he is only 2.5 months old.

[Rach75]

thanks can't wait for tuesday we have a mums group party monday then Jack jason and me tuesday then a big party 6th Oct

[Nadine216]

I have heard that you should brush your teeth and make it look like heaps of fun ... pull faces, spew the foam in the sink/bathtub ect. and let her mimick you. Young children like to mimick parents and other children, that is how they learn. Then ask her if she would also like to have fun with you. I have also heard that this is more sucessfull when she is in the bath, that way she can brush away without you having to wipe up afterwards Maybe buy her a funky toothbrush and special DD toothpaste (pink tube, or funny pictures)
I don't have firsthand experience, but Hope this helps!

[Lulu]

Yeah - good one Nadine, my kids always want to brush when they see me do it and I even let them spit in the bathtub - anything to make sure they brush!

We got Beth an electric toothbrush (about $10 at the supermarket), her brother had one and she was always chasing him for it. They both sit there watching The Simpsons brushing away......

[Meluchja]

Thanks Nadine, I might try teeth tickling and foamy mouths in the bath tomorrow night.

[Meluchja]

Electric toothbrush, also sounds like a good idea Lulu, thanks. Currently she has a pink snow white one I think. But she does like mine and DH electric one. Can you use these in the bath, does the water effect the battery?

[DoulaRelle]

Mel, we always brush our boys teeth in the bath and it started by letting them chew on the brush, then letting us have a go.

Some nights it is still a struggle, but majority of the time they are fine with it. We just say "Cooper's turn - now mummy's turn" etc

Goodluck hun

[Meluchja]

Hey Relle, I was jus thinking about you today. I hope you've been well. I think I will leave brushing for the bath from now on. Thanks.

BTW just checked out pics of the boys, they are all getting so big and handsome, your very lucky.

[DoulaRelle]

Hey Mel,

I think of you and Jem all of the time too. I so rarely get to sit down and read really busy threads and reply, so I am sadly lagging in the July Babies.

Rod had his appendix out last thursday as well, and our move is this monday and I am still busy with client appt etc, so life is crazy hectic here!

When do you guys move into your new house? How is everything going with Jack?

I am lucky, Angus is just growing way way to fast for my liking. He is such a good baby that I really am enjoying this time with him and not wishing it away like I did with the other 2!