What are we doing wrong? We have been cleaning Lara's teeth twice a day every day for the past five months - ever since that first tiny sliver of white broke through the gum. After the recent Panorama episode that highlighted the risks of tooth decay in formula-fed children, I was keen to ensure that Lara got used to having her teeth brushed very early in life.
To start with, Lara REALLY enjoyed it. There were giggles, a wide-open mouth and she even enjoyed taking the brush from me and going 'brush, brush, brush' all on her own. That lasted for... oooh... a whole four days.
To start with, Lara REALLY enjoyed it. There were giggles, a wide-open mouth and she even enjoyed taking the brush from me and going 'brush, brush, brush' all on her own. That lasted for... oooh... a whole four days.
Ever since then, Lara has HATED tooth-brushing time with a vengeance. Every time the toothbrush comes near, she seems eager to give it a go. But as soon as the brush enters her mouth she screws up her face and rejects the brush. She will purse her lips, grab your wrists and physically prevent the toothbrush from approaching her mouth.
When Lara is teething, she is, understandably, even more aggressive when it comes to tooth-brushing time.
When Lara is teething, she is, understandably, even more aggressive when it comes to tooth-brushing time.
After the daily tooth-brush struggle, we offer Lara a cup of water (a grown-up cup, not a trainer cup) and she seems to look forward to this part. More often than not, this is a very messy affair.
I stay mellow about tooth-brushing only by telling myself that if we keep at it, it will, eventually, become easier. At present however, there doesn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel.
So, what is the secret when it comes to tooth-brushing?
I stay mellow about tooth-brushing only by telling myself that if we keep at it, it will, eventually, become easier. At present however, there doesn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel.
So, what is the secret when it comes to tooth-brushing?
