As a dental Assistant, this is pretty much how I taught my children, I didn’t use my legs to hold them in place though, and I would always let my child have a go with the brush themselves. Not all children will be the same and cooperate as easily. Try to keep it fun and light hearted, don’t lose your patience and get frustrated (easier said than done sometimes), and remember if it didn’t work tonight, try again tomorrow and the next day.

I don’t recall having a problem with my little ones letting me brush their teeth. Like another mum said in the comments, act positively about it and explain how it is good for them to do it and there most likely will not be an issue. However, I do have an issue with forcing a child down and forcing an object in their mouth, especially whilst lying on their backs. I don’t think terrorising them and risking them choking on their own spit is one way to show that brushing their teeth is something they can do that is positive for their health.

Oh my word! People need to stop this ‘consent’ crap! It’s getting way out of hand these days. I really don’t think the child is going to want to have tooth decay and other issues later in life. Yeah, they might not like it, but it’s for their own good. It’s not like you are harming them!

Wtf is wrong with parents these days?? Simply explain to your toddler it’s good for their teeth & be positive. Kids love to impress their parents with achievement. Stop making excuses for your children. This is why we have so many issues with kids now. Parents need to make their children responsible for their actions & parents need to be responsible for their kids. Stop being irresponsible parents. It’s important to make everyone a responsible citizen worldwide. Don’t wimp out as a parent. Your job is super important to make future generations look after themselves & our world

Hahah I love this approach! My lil guy is far too fiesty for it though. I try to get him interested by having him hold the toothbrush and moving his hand where I need it. And singing the classic “you brush your teeth, tch tch tch tch” we all grew up with. Most days it works

WEll now we know……amazing how simple these things are when you know the tricks

Where was this trick when mine where little!

I bought my toddler an electric toothbrush and these days he happily stands still and opens his mouth while I brush his teeth, so we don’t have any issues anymore.

My first thought was that this was funny, not traumatising. Why do we always have to go there? Dental hygiene is so important and such a huge problem in this country. Having a child’s teeth brushed as early as possible is only a good thing.

Dental hygiene is so important. This doesn’t seem to be causing this child any stress, so I may consider this method.

Whatever works, we’ve started doing teeth cleaning in the bath after dinner. The catch is i have to clean mine at the same time, as he is such a little copy cat.

What ever works for you is all that matters.

You’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do! If if that works then great. All three of my kids later down to get their teeth brushed.

Hahaha…as funny as i find this, it also looks effective…carry on mama!

If it works, why not!
Great idea

Love the idea. I am a former dental nurse and this is such a different approach. Easily turn it into a game as well.

I love this idea! I’d definately be willing to give this a go with my baby toddler. So cute and so necessary.

If you show yourself brushing your teeth, then children usually want to follow suit. It mightn’t be perfect, but at least they are doing it themselves.

Some children just won’t let you brush their teeth.. they’d also thank you when they get older knowing you saved them from nasty teeth.

I’m not comfortable with restraining my kids like this. There are other way to get them to brush.