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How can I get him to brush his teeth?

post #1 of 6
3/6/06 at 4:46pm
Thread Starter 
How can I get my child to brush his teeth?

He loves a toothbrush. LOVE it! Loves to make circles on his teeth. But hates toothpaste. I've tried the kids' toothpaste, but he doesn't like that either. I think it's an aversion to the texture which is part of the special needs thing. Most of his other self-care skills are about 1 1/2-2 years behind (like potty training, etc.).

I had to hold him down and try to brush his teeth last weekend because his breath was SO bad. He screamed, kicked, cried... He is VERY strong. I felt like I'd been beaten or trampled by a horse by the time it was all over.

Any ideas?????
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post #2 of 6
3/6/06 at 5:46pm
Have you tried the infants toothpaste? It isn't gritty or thick like other toothpastes are. Maybe he'll like it. I know my 3-year-old likes to suck it out of the tube and eat it.
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post #3 of 6
3/6/06 at 7:43pm
lol Liz, at least that is what YOU are teaching them. When Haley was little she misunderstood and thought that she had little "taste bugs" all over her tongue that told her what different food tasted like.

The orajel tooth and gum cleaner is probably the least offensive taste for toothpastes.
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post #4 of 6
3/6/06 at 8:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Liz109
Some will argue that it could totally brainwash a child into thinking they're being attacked by monsters. All I know is it's worked like a charm for both my boys And, I have a 3 yo that doesn't mind brushing!
I don't think there is anything wrong with brainwashing
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post #5 of 6
3/6/06 at 9:10pm
what about the little finger brush up things?

i hope you can figure something out.. if he doesn't like toothpaste how about letting him brush, but then have him use a mouthwash or something? then he is getting the brush and the floride?
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post #6 of 6
3/6/06 at 9:19pm
We had this problem with Drew (he has a few sensory problems but not too bad). Anyway, we had him brush his teeth longer than normal using plain old water. We also had him using the ACT Flouride rinse - it comes in bubble gum flavor which was all he would use. He was almost 7 before he would use kids toothpaste. At 11, I still have to buy him bubble gum flavored toothpaste and it HAS to be the Orab-B kind (he doesn't like the way the others feel in his mouth). The dentist showed him how to brush his tongue using water and then using the rinse.

You may have to try different brands of the rinse before you fine one he will use. I always had Drew brush his teeth along with me. We made it a game to see who could brush the longest. The winner got to tickle the other one. Hey - whatever works, right?
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