Toddler Refusing Toothbrush

Updated on October 18, 2011
L.M. asks from Overland Park, KS
9 answers

two weeks ago my son of almost 3 started refusing his toothbrush.. I tried everything, different toothpaste, different toothbrush... NOTHING.. I was forced to put toothpaste on a washcloth and stick my finger in his mouth every night.

Mind you he does have Sensory issues (SPD and Autism).

Tonight he went as far as biting my finger so hard (out of frustration I guess) I nearly cried. (He noticed my pain and felt sorry, started crying.. so at least I know he knows that biting is wrong) But still.. ouch!!

Any idea why he is acting out, refusing to brush his teeth? I thought it was teething maybe - his two year molars did come out about a month ago, but how long will this last?

What can I do next?

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So What Happened?

answer is yes to therapy. He sees an OT and a SLP. I will bring it up in our next meet.... just thought I'd try asking the gal's opinions.

I have no other option now than to use the cloth. It is a very thin, small cloth, with pea size toothpaste on it, I wrap it tightly around my finger. My dentist suggested that because it is better than not brushing at all. Like I said.. he refuses his toothbrush, its not because I dont have one, I have several in fact.. none of which he would try. He puts them down and refuses point blank.

Featured Answers

C.B.

answers from Kansas City on

how do you discipline him for other things? ok ok he has "issues"...seems like all kids do these days. but honestly at this age my son did the same thing. at first the tooth brushing is fun and it tastes yummy and he gets positive attention from mom, then the fun wears off and it becomes more of a "job" and they decide not to do it anymore. seriously...i put him in time out just like i would anything else he refused to do that i told him to. maybe it's "slightly" different because of his issues, but you do have to discipline him for SOME things, right? this would be one of those things, imo. he brushed them just fine before. he needs to do it now. period.

1 mom found this helpful

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

4 moms found this helpful
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R..

answers from Chattanooga on

Maybe you could look in the baby section, and get one of those little rubber tooth cleaners that you slip on your finger. I'm sure it would work better than a washcloth, and at least you will be able to get his teeth clean until you are able to get him to accept the the toothbrush again.

You could also get a thimble, and wear that under the finger brush, just in case he bites again! lol.

~ETA.... Lattegirl reminded me... when I brush my DD's teeth, she usually gets to hold my toothbrush and 'brush' my teeth while I am doing hers. Then I trade her, and let her brush her own teeth (which at this point is just chewing on the toothbrush) while I brush mine. :)

3 moms found this helpful

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

Is he seeing a speech therapist trained in sensory integration and feeding therapy? If not that might be something to check out.

3 moms found this helpful
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A.L.

answers from Alexandria on

I let the Dentist handle this one for me. One trip after our toothbrush struggles, and my little one came around. The dentist showed him pics of what a dirty mouth will turn into and explained what can happen....that was enough for my little man. Good luck to you.

3 moms found this helpful
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L.M.

answers from Seattle on

My dentist recommends having toddler hold a tooth brush to play with while you brush his teeth. Maybe let him be big boy and brush then you follow up and brush. Make a rewards chart each time he brushes star on the chart
Best of luck
L.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Redding on

My kids liked taking turns brushing my teeth while I brushed theirs.
They thought it was great fun to tell me they were getting my cavity bugs to the extent they didn't notice I was brushing their teeth at the same time.
It's worth a try.
My daughter especially loved playing "dentist" and then when it was her turn, she played right along. My dad was amazing at this game with her.
Look up videos of cavity and sugar bugs.
Make it fun to get them off the teeth.
My kids responded to that quite well.

Best wishes.

1 mom found this helpful

C.M.

answers from St. Louis on

My son hates brushing his teeth most of the time. I have tried different brushes, flavors and having us brush each other's teeth. I have found that if I give him it while he's in the tub, he'll usually do an okay job of brushing. But when I come in for the 'mommy check' he's not too happy. There are many times where I literally have to hold him down to brush them. And some times I don't even worry about it. They will fall out eventually. I know that is bad and he needs to get into a good habit of brushing but some things are not worth fighting over every day!!!! I wonder since he does have sensory issues if there is another type of brush or something his therapist can recommend?

1 mom found this helpful

D.K.

answers from Sioux City on

I am sure I have a few sensory issues. Anyway, if you were to stick a wash clothe into my mouth I would have a heard time not biting. I absolutely hate the feel of cloth in my mouth. I can't even stand to see other's bite clothe. To me it's like when someone drags their fingernails on a chalkboard. Get a toothbrush.

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