The Teeth Brushing War, Mom Verses the Toddler

Brushing teeth in my house with my kids is a constant struggle. We have good days and we have bad. We know we need to do it and we do it every night. Some nights I just want to skip it because I’m so tired from a day of the kids, I just want to put them in bed. But my husband and I find the energy and do it as a team. Some nights we take turns but we always get the job done. We have even resorted to holding them down, completely restraining them, kicking and screaming while we brush their teeth.

Developing good oral hygiene is important from the start. It is recommended children see a dentist by age 1 or within six months after their first tooth erupts, but most American children do not see their family dentist until they are nearly 3 years old, according to a survey conducted on behalf of Delta Dental Plans Association.

I have asked so many people for advice.

The Moms Advice:

The Mom I grew up with (my stepmom) said that we didn’t start brushing your teeth until you got your permanent teeth in and you girls were fine.

MOMS Club Mom said get them their own toothpaste to use, the trainer toothpaste that doesn’t have any fluoride in it.

Another MOMS Club mom said to use a gum massager, she used one because her daughter’s mouth was so small that it was just easier to use it.

Our Doctor’s advice was to use a wash cloth.

Failed

None of these ideas worked because, well for one, we’re brushing their teeth come rain or shine. We were already using toothpaste, and I get bitten with the gum massager.

Dentist’s Advice:

Holding them down is fine. She had to do it with her won children. Just keep presenting it to them and do what you have to do to get them brushing.

What Worked

When we were in Texas visiting grandma, Zoe started using Mommies brush. One reason, mommy was gone and Grandma and Papa couldn’t find the kid’s toothbrushes. So Zoe starting using mine. I was fine sharing my brush, esp if she would brush without all the drama. Grandma hates to see her grandbabies crying. She brushed and had a good time. We came home and she’s still using my brush. It’s hers now but since it’s more fun to use if it’s mommies we call it mommies toothbrush. Every night, do you want to use yours or Mommies?

Mommies with a smile. We still take our turn and make sure she has done a good job but her brushing skills have improved and it’s not a chore. Miles is in the stage where one night he likes it and the next he doesn’t. Actually to be honest, the boy LOVES to brush his teeth, he just hates when mommy and daddy take their turn.

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