teeth brushing

Dont see why a toddler cant use an electric, itd be more 'fun'. I had trouble getting my daughter to brush her teeth she would just clamp her mouth shut, but plunket lady suggested making it fun and make lion noises or similar, means that they open their mouth up nice and wide so getting those back teeth is easier. Try to make it fun.

I agree with the others, plus try getting her to brush your teeth while u do hers. Let her do it in the bath. Have her brush a dolls "teeth" etc.

we always try for the fun. and sure she opens her mouth, but doesn't like the brushing and snaps it shut immediately the brush goes anywhere near her, and then the yelling.

We also try to brush our teeth with her, but because we use an electric toothbrush and she doesn't, she just wants to take our brush.

haven't tried in the bath, but we can't just leave her to brush by herself cos she doesn't get everywhere.

has anybody used an electric toothbrush with a toddler?

I use an electric toothbrush with my toddler. It is fine, and is the only way he will brush his teeth. Colgate (I think) make toddler ones, and we have the Diego version. He has also used our eletric toothbrush as well.

I think I'll try an electric brush. I think part of the problem is she can't understand why our toothbrush is so different and she wants ours.

I'll try the bribery thing too but it doesn't really seem to work with her (yet?). food seems to be her main motivating factor but treats and toothbrushing don't go together!

megan, one thing we've tried recently that seemed to interest her was brushing her teeth in front of a mirror - whether she's doing it, or us. She seems to quite like being able to see exactly what's going on.

She's not a fan of the electric toothbrush unfortunately. Maybe she'll get used to it. While with my sister's family she was fascinated by her older cousin's electric toothbrush and was very keen to use it, but didn't like it turned on!

It's been a bit easier lately, i guess just persevering and making sure she knows that even if she protests, it's still going to happen.

Macleans have an iphone app that is awesome. although, my kids have always enjoyed brushing their teeth, but i dont like having to do it, so the app gets them to nag me to remember to brush their teeth.
not sure if its available on android phones or not though.

I agree with tiger_lily. I get DS to watch me brush my teeth and I pull funny faces and exaggerated wide open mouths, and cheesy big teeth smiles. I also let him try to brush my teeth, then he's happy to open his mouth wide for me to brush his.