05 Jun 2008
My Son Hates Brushing his Teeth!
March 2008 issue - MOTHERHOOD(magazine)

Click here for the PDF version of this news report.

How can mum Sharon help Shaun get into the routine of brushing his teeth?


My Problem

Shaun Loh Hwai Zhi, two, dislikes having his teeth brushed. As a result, mom Sharon Seeto, 37, who works in financial public relations, faces a constant challenge. "When Shaun turned one, we started cleaning his mouth and gums with a small face cloth twirled around our fingers. After he started on solid food, we began using a toothbrush to ensure his teeth are cleaned well.

Since then, it has been a struggle each day with him screaming and crying. Whenever we try to brush his teeth, he refuses to open his mouth and shakes his head, no matter how hard we coax him.

We end up having to hold his head up, pry his mouth open and then brush his teeth. We have also tried to set a good example by brushing our teeth in front of him. But instead, he eats his toothpaste and says he is done. We have let him choose his toothbrush and toothpaste so that he would feel more involved, but it didn't work. Help!" 

Dr TOH Siew Luan, Registrar, Paediatric dentist, NDC says " It is good to know that you are aware of how important good dental hygiene is with toddlers and preschoolers. You are not alone, as many parents of young children are likely to face this problem too.
Shaun is at an age that is also known as the "terrible twos." This is a tumultuous time when the child is both independent and dependent at the same time. That is why he will resist help when it comes to brushing his teeth , even though he does not have the dexterity to do so effectively.
Several approaches that you have attempted are excellent ways to encourage Shaun to brush his teeth. Children learn by imitating; they pick up a lot from watching us. Brushing your teeth together with him and getting him involved in choosing his toothpaste and toothbrush are good ideas to get him started."

Eight Dos and Don'ts
Introduce oral care to your little ones the fuss-free way

Do...
... make brushing his teeth a part of his morning and bedtime amd bedtime routines
... let him watch a child of similar way brush his teeth
... use only a small amount (pea-size) of toothpaste
... get him to begin brushing his teeth by himself

Don't...
... let him associate brushing his teeth with a negative experience
... leave your child to brush his teeth on his own
... offer food or milk after brushing his teeth
... give up, even though your child may resist your assistance initially

The Outcome

Three months after Sharon patiently followed Dr Toh's tips, she is pleased to say that Shaun has shown much improvement. For starters, he no longer protests when it is time to brush his teeth. " Shaun is now willing and eager to brush his teeth on his own,'' she shares. We keep in mind Dr Toh's advice to create a positive experience. When Shaun tells us that he has some food stuck in his teeth, we would say, " Let's go brush your teeth so we can get it out." He agrees readily.

" Aside from this, we continue to brush our teeth in front of him. We also ensure that Shaun brushes his teeth in front of a mirror, as Dr Toh says that children learn best when they can see what they are doing. So now Shaun stands on a stool in the bathroom to be at the right height where he can brush his teeth in front of the bathroom mirror. Finally, we have also made it a point to praise him each time he finishes brushing his teeth. It's good that everything worked out so well!"