A member asked:

My 2 year old refuses to brush his teeth. how can i change this behavior?

3 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Dale Rottman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Take over the job: Generally a 2 yr old does not have the coordination to brush his or her own teeth. You the parent should brush the child's teeth for them. Ask your dentist to show you how to brush your child's teeth.

Answered 10/23/2012

5.5k views

Thank

Be the parent: I have three kids. Almost all two year olds don't want their teeth brushed. You can make a game out of it, but it always ends with they will get their teeth brushed. What i found over time is that they still resist, but they ultimately relent, knowing that they don't get to get up until the teeth brushing job is done.

Answered 3/1/2016

5.5k views

Thank
Dr. Johanna Fricke answered

Specializes in Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral

Make it a game: Take your child to a pediatric dentist. They're experts in behavioral techniques to increase compliance. Your getting tense or angry reinforces the tantrum. Sing as you brush 10 times down on the uppers, 10 times up on the lowers & 10 times over occlusal surfaces. Completely ignore his protests. He'll get louder & longer at first to get you to engage; if you stay calm, he'll give it up soon.

Answered 3/1/2016

5.5k views

Thank

Related Questions