Really struggling with brushing my toddler's teeth

[SaraEmily]

She just won't let me anymore. It's been a struggle since she got her first tooth but it's horrible right now. She won't open her mouth. The best I can do is brushing the fronts of her teeth but even then I have to pin her down to even get that far. I know it sounds bad that I do that but I don't know what else to do.

I always give her a chance to brush them herself without making a big deal of it or turn it into a power struggle but as soon as she sees the brush she starts crying and kicking at me. I'm at my wits end here. I can only get a good, thorough brushing done every few days.

Any tips or ideas? I feel so bad and wish I didn't have to upset her so much by holding her down while she screams but I have to brush her teeth.

Edit: also want to add that I've tried distractions, bribery, etc but that hasn't worked.

 

[chickenlegs]

Billy used to be like this. To be honest, I just pinned him and did it. I made it quick and didn't really make a big thing of it (well as much as possible when he is in a kind of head lock!). After a few weeks he just resigned himself to it and now he is really good about it. I have no idea whether my approach worked or whether he just matured slightly. Either way - it shouldn't last forever!

 

[HappyAnjeL]

When DD is being difficult I will get the tooth brush ready but hide it near me, then i'll flip her upside down while sitting on our couch and blowing on her belly to make her laugh, and brush whenever she opens her mouth.. flip her right side up a minute, then repeat until I get them all.

 

[ay2808]

We have just started using the oral b Mickey Mouse app. LO would only brush her teeth for about 10 seconds but she loves this app. I was a bit reluctant at first as I'm not a fan of using iPads etc but it has definitely helped.

 

[sequeena]

We have to pin our son. Our dentist gave us a Dr barman magic toothbrush designed for those with sensory issues. It is shaped differently so it brushes teeth well even if you can't brush for long. I buy them from amazon x

 

[NoodleSnack]

The Dr Barman brush helps with us too. I learnt of them from Sequeena here too.

 

[CaptainMummy]

My eldest has always been great about getting hers brushed.
My 16 month old gets pinned down on my knee whether she likes it or not. She sort of half cries.and half laughs when im doing it

 

[JenX]

We've gone through some phases where it was difficult and we'd pin her down. She'd cry but she always did a nice big open-mouthed wail, so I'd get in there quick and brush while she howled. Right now she's super compliant and lays down on the rug for us to brush.

 

[Olivette]

https://www.brushbaby.co.uk Saved us

 

[Bunnikins]

Another pinner downer here and brushbaby with a bit of toothpaste on either side if i dont get any access
To be honest its easiest to actually brush when shes crying cos her mouths open nice n wide LOL

 

[SaraEmily]

I'll definitely be checking out that toothbrush!

She used to open her mouth wide while screaming but now she's mastered screaming with her mouth closed enough that the toothbrush doesn't get past.

 

[x__amour]

So frustrating and difficult. More than likely a stage but you'll probably have to continue pinning down. Sometimes it's the only way.

 

[lau86]

I thought long and hard about trying for a third baby... Genuinely because I didn't know if I could cope brushing three kids teeth! Luckily my eldest is much better now, I think they just realise that it has to be done.... Eventually!
Eta I use the pin down method too... It's not pretty but I prefer that to rotten painful teeth.
My youngest seems to have a bit of a lip tie so I think it hurts him... I feel horrid doing his.

 

[FAB mama]

We had so much of a struggle that I just couldn't, like physically could NOT pin him down AND do it alone and DH didn't want to help me when LO was that upset. He said I was just making it worse and making him hate brushing his teeth. So we let LO do it… I'm just praying for no cavities. If he does it at the sink then it's just 10 seconds or so, but if I let him brush while he stands in front the TV he'll chew on the brush for a good 10-20 minutes. Maybe it will work ok??? At least he doesn't hate it. He's very strong and I just couldn't get it done at all when I tried to pin him.

And thanks for the brush recommendation Sequeena!