Seeking Advice on Brushing Teeth.

Good luck! My son is the same way - he's 13, too. I would love to find something that would work. I have tried everything listed below -- with the exception of the musical toothbrushes.

I'll keep check this post to see if any other good ideas are posted.

Frankly, I think it's just a boy-thing.

there is a rinse that will leave their teeth red (not permanent) where they need to brush. Perhaps seeing that in the mirror will help them see...

Have you seen those really cool musical toothbrushes? I have seen them at Walgreens...when they are brushing it plays music, when they stop the music stops. Perhaps if you try that they will get excited about brushing. Maybe you can adopt a music theme for their bathroom with posters a radio etc. Anything that will make it more fun and remind them to brush, when they are in there.
Good luck
T.

If you have any of their baby teeth you can show them a real eye-opener of an experiment. If you put a tooth in a glass of Coke, it will dissolve overnight. They will certainly think you took it, but it does dissolve. That might shock them into brushing.

Luckily I do not have that problem with my 13 yr old girl.

I did purchase Agent Cool Blue and FYI.....it has been RECALLED. I happened to notice it on tv and I called the number. I was instructed to pour it out and throw it away. THe company sent me a check for $4.50 and a coupon for some free Listerine.

Your boys are old enough to undertand cause and effect. They may get embarrassed at school and that do the trick. My daughter hates going to the dentist so she is very proactive with her teeth.

Good luck.....Raising teens is a challenge!!

Susan

Like the previous poster, I would consider Agent Cool Blue - it's tinted rinse stains the teeth so they can see where they need to pick up the brushing to the next step. Since the dentist scare didn't work, I would go reality on them. Let them know that it's their teeth, and since they will likely need root canals, etc. from their decision to avoid brushing, you're going to have to stop doing allowance in order to begin a fund for the inevitable dental repairs. *Make sure you act bummed for them... like you don't want to do this, but you just can't afford to give them allowance anymore since you've got to save up. Let them know you might be able to help them out if they'll agree to forego the anesthesia. :)
I would google up a website showing photographs of a root canal, exposed nerves, etc. Maybe you'll find a video of the procedures. Let them see it. It may upset them a little, but considering how easy it is to prevent these problems...
Also, maybe run to Sams and buy a 12 pack of floss. We keep floss in the drawer of the coffee table, our nightstands, etc. We buy the Cleanpaste kind. It's tasty! Anyhow, it's not such a chore if you're catching your fave sitcom while you're flossing. I know it's not the most attractive thing to see people do, but our teeth are healthy and our teeth are flossed daily (usually several times).