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OMG – I do not know about how the story goes at your house but every episode I have the tooth brushing showdown in the bathroom. I have two girls ages 1 & 3, both with their own agenda. I am feeling like a terrible mother today because I realized I am lacking in teaching my daughters good oral hygiene.
I get the I am tired or I didn’t have any candy today! 
Excuses that sometimes I give to. Shame on me!!
So I began my Internet search as always when I wonder what to do, thinking their must be a better way. I found that both of my girls should have been to the dentist by now, and that I am really going to have to forge the brushing battle at minimum twice a day!! So I have scheduled appointments for both girls to see a kid friendly dentist and will share with you what I found from other mothers and “experts”.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you take your child to visit the dentist for the first time around the age of 12 months. At this stage, the dentist will be able to identify potential problems and will recommend regular regimen of visits and cleanings at the age of 2! OK so I am so very behind – what a bad mommy I am feeling like today!
Obviously going to the dentist will be scary for a toddler the first time, just think of the stress involved with the brushing at home or going to see the pediatrician. So try to make it a fun positive experience or growing milestone. Express they are such a big girl now and they are so lucky to go see a dentist – they will get a prize for visiting, etc.
Ask your dentist to give you some additional tips on getting your child to brush their teeth. I have read some parental advice that went as far as having daddy hold the child upside down while mommy brushes the teeth (since it is hard to keep your moth closed in this position ?!? OMG seriously?).
I think the following ideas sound like the route I am going to take:
1. Let your toddler pick out their own tooth brush – color, character etc.
2. Offer training tooth paste in different flavors.
3. Get a fun timer or play a song for two minutes – so your toddler will know when it is time to brush & stop.
4. Provide a reward of some kind (sticker chart) - at least until the new desired behavior is achieved.
5. Get a brush for mommy or daddy to do with them to model the appropriate behavior in their bathroom.
6. Take my turn brushing regardless of the protesting!! Hard yes – but better than having to sit through the torture of having your child need to get a cavity filled!
Hope this helps and inspires you to fight the battle regardless of how hard it is, ignore the excuses and schedule your toddlers regular dental exams.
