1 year old and the toothbrush battle?

I have a 1 year old with 2 bottom teeth, and 2 top teeth coming in. At her 12 month check up- her Dr. said I need to start brushing her teeth, I bought her a toothbrush appropiate for her age, but is there a toothpaste for her age? ALSO- she fights it with all her might. I do not want her to associate brushing with a battle. Any suggestions?

1 year old and the toothbrush battle?
You can get the toddler toothpaste that is flouride free. I know for sure that Babies R Us and Target carry it.


If she fights you with brushing her teeth, teach her how she can do it herself :)
Reply:There might be a 'finger toothbrush' you can get for little kids, which is like a rubber thimble that you wear on *your* finger, with little bobbles on it that do the cleaning. That way you're completely controlling the movement and it won't feel so strange for her. Tom's all-natural toothpastes come in orange and strawberry and are organic.
Reply:My daughter was the same.. until I bought her "Training Toothpaste" now she LOVES it (12 months old with 8 teeth, and 2 molars coming in)





It has worked out great now I can get a good brushing in (5+ mins) without any fuss!
Reply:They do have a kids toothpaste which isnt harmful if swallowed!! My son had 4 teeth at 6 months so I had bought a finger toothbrush that went right over your finger so you could brush her teeth for her. It wasnt as hard as doing it herself and still gets the teeth clean. I believe it even came with a baby toothpaste!! Good luck!!
Reply:Gerber and several other companies make a toothpaste for little ones. It is flouride-free, since babies don't understand that they should not swallow. They sell it at my grocery store near the baby stuff....spoons, pacifiers, bottles, diapers. You can try using a finger toothbrush, but I ended up getting bitten that way so I bought an electric toothbrush. I usually only get a few good spins before he refuses. Then he takes it over and "pretends" to brush his teeth.
Reply:i bet you what the dr meant was to get him used to the idea, i.e. let her hold the brush, put it in her mouth, etc. but there's no real "brushing" going on. and my dr said no toothpaste!


let her be... she's too young.
Reply:The Gerber finger tooth cleaner comes with the tooth paste.





She is fighting it because the pressure of the brush on her gum hurts so be extra gentle.





A gentle rub with a soft baby washcloth during bath give added cleaning... don't forget to wipe her tongue.





Also try singing that (This is the way we brush our teeth) song or hum to her to keep her calm.



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