2 yr old hates brushing teeth now

[myboysmom]

For the last 1 1/2 weeks, my 2 1/2 yr old son has FOUGHT with me over having his teeth brushed. It is all of a sudden. He used to be just fine. We would sit down, he would open wide, and it would be done in a minute or two. Then BAM, "NOOOO! I don't want to brush teeth! WAAAAHH!" He clenches his jaw shut and doesn't want to have it done for even 2 seconds. I've tried the little tricks, like say roar and let's count your teeth, but he is very stubborn by nature. Any ideas on why the sudden change? And how can we make this even semi-pleasant again?

[fuzzy]

I'm not really sure on what could have caused the change;ideas that crossed my mind is tooth ache,or maybe he seen something on T.V relating to it.I'm not sure what you'll think of this idea but I've seen it work for some kids and their parents I guess it depends on your style of parenting! I think it's different in the U.S but on our cigarette packs it shows warning labels and one of them is a mouth with cancer(not a nice site)or I'm sure you could find pics of this on the internet too.So, the next time your son gives you trouble about brushing you show him the pic and tell him that this what happens to people's teeth when they don't brush and from what the parents told me was their kids were no longer fighting to brush.I know it kinda sounds cruel (to show pics like that to a young child)but,If it works,it works!Good Luck!

[MommaC]

Have you asked your son? Just a thought...he might tell you. The first two causes that come to my mind are (1)sore gums and (2)power struggle. A few things you might try: (a)take turns--he brushes yours, you brush his, (b)give him a choice--in the bathroom vs in the bedroom, before story vs after story, in the bath vs after the bath, (c)if he complains that it hurts, take him to buy a new brush with soft brissles...if he still thinks it might hurt, brush his finger first (and make sure you're no more aggressive in his mouth), or (d)bribery--which I personally hate but can be a last resort--like sugar-free gum during story time if he lets you brush first. Best of luck to you!