The Toothbrush Battle: Tips For Every Parent

You thought that the "teeth thing" (not to confused with teething) was a thing of past once all their teeth came. But alas, now you have to brush them, that is, they have to brush them, and well, the "teeth thing" is far from over Parents Ask Managing Editor Jennifer Brandt knows this all too well. What should be a twice daily, easy breezy step in her routine with her 2.5 year-old son, has become a frustrating battle. Not only can she not get near him with a toothbrush, but getting him to cooperate and actually brush his teeth seems impossible. Desperate, Jennifer has turned to Parents Ask expert Dr. Cara Natterson for advice. Check it out....

Ready to brush? Here's a recap of Dr. Natterson's tips:

Dr. Cara Natterson: "The toothbrush battle is common-- especially for 2.5 year olds!"

-Avoid asking "Yes" or "No" questions: Instead, give him a choice like do you want to sit down, or stand up.
-No running with a toothbrush! This is just dangerous.
-Make it fun. Create a game like "you brush mine, I'll brush yours." You can also tickle him while you brush. This would distract him.
-Hand the control over to your kid. Let him decide what game you'll play, what position he'll be in, where he wants to do it, etc. This makes it easier to manage.

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Showing the Latest of 4 Comments

Jessica
1 years ago

We love our spin brushes, makes the whole process quicker and more thorough.

ToothClub
7 months ago

Spin brushes do just that... spin... I work in a pediatric dental office and the ONLY toothbrush we reccomend in the Children's Sonicare! The most important part is finding a toothpaste that they like the flavor of. The better they like it the longer they will brush!

serra
1 years ago

My 14 month old son bites, scratches, pinches and kicks. I don't know where he got this from, and I don't know how to teach him not to. Advice is welcomed!

lauren.guttman....
1 years ago

This is a good one...we have this problem EVERY night. xo Lauren Ravitz

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Jennifer Brandt
Managing Editor
Jennifer Brandt is the Managing Editor of Parents Ask, Momversation, and Good Bite. Jennifer lives in Los Angeles and is mom to a 3 year
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