Brushing a toddler's teeth? Does it really work or is it just practice at this point?

it sounds like you're doing a great job so far! if fact, you sound a lot like me about a year ago (my daughter is 2 1/2 now). i was worried, too! it took me quite a while to establish any kind of routine with her because of the same problem! i think that's pretty typical. :-)

yes, brushing is important... but i think that if you get in 30 seconds of it, you're better off than most!

i can tell you what i do with my little one, and hope it helps... when i brush my teeth i sit her on the counter and let her hold her own brush. at first she would just chew on it, but after after watching me for a while she was trying to copy everything i do. when i finish brushing my own teeth i take the brush and tell her it is "my turn" to brush HER teeth. then i let her pick a song she wants me to sing, and i brush her teeth as long as the song lasts. it's not that long, but i hope i'm at least establishing some sort of routine.

good luck to you!

At this age, it is still important to brush those teeth as I'm sure you'll have come across kids barely toilet trained who already have a mouth of fillings. But her tedium at the whole process is also understandable so you're doing a good job given her age and understanding.

You could try making it more of a game. Buy or make a rewards chart, make a big fuss over her and what a big girl she is and if she let's you brush her teeth then she gets a sticker for her chart. When you take her to the dentist, ask if s/he could make a big fuss of her and tell her how clean her teeth are because she's been brushing. I'd also enquire if the water in your area is flouridated and, if it's not, ask your dentist for flouride suppliments as this is the age to start strengthening those teeth.

Go to the pharmacy and ask for a finger tooth brush. Put the tooth brush on your finger, add toothpaste and brush your child's teeth. Up until my daughter was able to hold the brush in her hand and do the job herself that's how I did it.

i had the same problem with my son then one day i was in the dollar store and i found a toothbrush that lights up and stays lit for 1 minute. my son learned to brush until the light went off. i still have to help him brush but he is more interested in it he thinks the light is the greatest thing in the world. all things take time.

Yes, it is necessary to brush her teeth. Even babies who are still not on solids yet need their teeth and gums brushed.

This from Preziosidentistry.com:

Even though permanent teeth will eventually replace baby teeth, it is important to be watchful of your baby's dental health to ensure healthy gums and healthy, properly positioned permanent teeth. Untreated carious primary teeth (baby teeth) can cause several problems. Carious primary teeth to become abscessed causing oral infections for the baby, which can have serious health consequences for the baby. Carious primary teeth can transmit the caries to the permanent teeth causing the permanent teeth to become carious and brake down. Carious primary teeth can cause the misalignment of permanent teeth if the primary teeth are not restored to their proper size since the primary teeth establish and maintain proper spacing for the erupting permanent teeth.

A few simple steps to prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay:

Don't allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice, breast milk or any other sweetened liquid.

After feedings wipe baby's gums and teeth if present with a clean damp cloth.

You can even start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, and it's best to wean babies by their first birthday and begin offering liquids in a cup.

The practice and experience is most important at this stage. Although cleaning her teeth is essential to avoid cavities and decay, she is still little and everything will come with time. Sounds like you are doing a great job

WOW! super mum! you do have a busy day as long as u can handle it obviously your body has carried babies before as long as u r careful with lifting and carrying. Watch out for exhaustion in pregnancy. Do you not have anytime for yourself? What will u do when ur 3 babies come? U and only u will know if this is too much work your body will tell you. U will need to make more time for yourself or you could end up with extreme exhaustion your body needs to adapt to carry not just one but three babies. Explain to your midwife or doctor or whoever is looking after u during your pregnancy as they will advised what is best.

It is very important to brush a toddlers teeth. You are doing okay.

yes it makes a difference... keep at it, she'll have nice, healthy teeth when she's older

uh it really works