How to Brush Infant's and Toddler's Teeth

Dr. Kate Malone, of Smoky Mountain Pediatric Dentistry in Lenoir City TN, demonstrates how to properly brush the teeth of an infant or toddler. She also demonstrates some helpful tips on dealing with an uncooperative child.

[nothanks]

I'm so relieved to see that I'm not the only mother struggling to get their toddler to brush their teeth. I thought I was doing something wrong.

[notorioussaint]

FINALLY A REALISTIC VIDEO! All other holier than thou YouTube moms have cooperating toddlers

[jennashmyr]

This is so helpful lol. I worked as a dental assistant for years and was like “i will always be soooo thorough with my kids!” fast forward to having a ten month old……… this helped TREMENDOUSLY. To those saying it’s abuse, what’s abuse is not brushing your child’s teeth and letting them decay and then dealing with painful teeth and speech issues.

[karliesukowaty]

Omg thank you so much for this. I’ve only seen videos where the baby or toddler is just chill and my baby girl is like your son and gets so mad that I give up but I am so worried her teeth are going to be bad if i don’t figure something out. You are a freaking lifesaver!

[mikamiks]

Thankyou for this. I’m embarrassed to say that my 22 month olds teeth hadn’t been brushed for 4 days because she just wouldn’t let me and I had to resort to this. Worked brilliantly. My heat is broken after all that screaming but her teeth are perfect and she actually went to bed so easily after draining her remaining energy trying to fight me

[dmoney]

OMG what is this mother doing. Why isn't the child super cooperative like ever other video Ive watched on YouTube??? 😂
Great job Mom - definitely will try this out

[teeliyah]

This is the knee to knee technique I've seen many doctors use to clean the teeth of noncoroperative toddlers. It's not abuse. Many toddlers go through a phase where they will not allow the parent to brush their teeth and in those instances this is the best way to do it. This is MUCH better than a toddler with a mouth full of rotting teeth which would definitely be seen as negligence.

[jasminpou-reed]

everyone that has kids, especially wiggly ones, was like "wow... what a great technique" 😂

[Gmontilva]

THE BABY IS PAIN FREE!!!!
I STRUGGLE WITH MY TODDLER IN THE SHOWER, THIS IS EASIER!
THANK YOU!

[twochoi]

This video is very helpful. I’ve tried this on my 2 year old twin boys. They do fuss as I do this and later on within couple days consistently brushing twice a day, they slowly realize it isn’t so bad and they allowed me to help brush their teeth or they’ll brush themselves. At first, we may have to go through an unbearable moments at of them crying, it’s worth it to keep their teeth cleaned and avoid cavities. As far are mentality goes, the looked normal. Still happy campers. Also, I just made it seemed fun and so they felt a bit of an ease.

[babymamadelight]

I tried this with my 16momth old Tonight after trying for so long I had to resort to YouTube to see what other moms are doing. And this worked. He might cry and struggle and feel like he has no control, but guess what, their babies and we need to parent not be nicey mice all the time. The amount of children with rotten teeth is appalling. Oral health is extremely important. I'm going to continue

[andersonsteachandersonstea]

Thank your for showing a child crying the whole time and fighting because that's also my toddler! You just have to get it done and eventually they will know that its ok and they will accept that routine.

[Pooffster]

I hope more parents did this so I wouldn't have to remove >10 teeth in 2 year olds every other day. Totally preventable ! Thank you so much for sharing this.

[schafer]

Omg this technique is exactly what I need, my son goes crazy when I try to brush his teeth and I won’t allow him to have bad breath.
Thank you so much x

[lucheeacatlin]

Everyone criticizing this probably doesn’t have kids. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[lord_beerme_strength]

Yep this is exactly how my toddler's dentist said to brush his teeth. Learned the hard way, though, not to forget his legs after a swift kick to the face 😣

[yellabone]

I honestly think this works with different children. my child will clinch is mouth, knock the toothbrush out of my hand, shake his head really fast do I can't get to his mouth, and bend all backwards whenever I try to brush his teeth. He's 18 months & I still haven't brushed his teeth because he gives me such a hard time whenever I try. Now that I've seen this video, I think this will work for us because I can't hold off brushing his teeth any longer. His teeth are becoming yellow and caked up and I feel bad whenever someone asks me why I don't brush his teeth. this technique may look harsh, but with children that throw a tantrum every time they need their teeth brushed, it's necessary.

[christineorelli]

Thanks for posting this!! My 15 month old will not let me brush his teeth and I feel a horrible mom. I sometimes can wipe with a washcloth but he needs a good brushing! I'm going to try this tomorrow!

[tosin]

This was shared 8 years ago. 8 years later, its saving us a lot of headache. always wondered how to brush my sons teeth. He always screams and kicks. this will definitely do the trick. Thank you

[TheNanadwoa]

for those criticizing her, I don't see you showing an alternative way to do this.🤔🤔🤔