Toothpaste for picky child?

Question

My son is 6 and he doesn’t like any of the toothpastes I buy. He gives me such a hard time. I found a strawberry flavor and he liked it for a week and then doesn’t like it anymore. He wants to just brush his teeth with plain water. We’ve tried regular minty, plain, strawberry. I’ve even tried to brush his teeth w/toothpaste myself and that didn’t work. Any suggestions?

Answer

Try taking him to the store to pick out a tooth paste. Then have any toothpaste you own out at night, including the ones he really doesn’t like, and ask him to pick which one he wants that night. Sometimes kids feel better just knowing they have a bit of choice. I don’t know if it will solve anything for you, but it worked for us.

Answer

Talk to the dentist but mine told me the actual brushing is whats important (getting the plaque off) not so much the toothpaste...so brushing with water may be fine. Just call and ask.

Answer

Bubble gum mouthwash. I also try to find things with xylitol in it as it’s good for their teeth. They have things for kids if you look it up. Let them use a little flosser on their own to play with. Sometimes they get in between the teeth. Between all of that and water brushing you’re doing more than most. Also some are just prone to cavities. Chewy foods including dried fruit and starches like crackers are terrible for their teeth! If you do any foods like this choose earlier in the day.

Answer

Show him pictures of rotten teeth. Show him what happens to rotten teeth. Take him to the dentist and have them lecture him. Water is not enough. Have you tried the color changing toothpaste? Have you tried the mouthwash that highlights the plaque that they missed? Crest kids (the blue sparkle) is a favorite for most kids. My kids find it hilarious to use mom and dad’s toothpaste. We make it out like they are so silly so it’s like a game to encourage them to keep using minty toothpaste. Have you tried to give peppermints, gum, candy canes, soft mints…etc to get them used to minty taste?

Answer

Show him pictures of rotten teeth and explain that thats what is going to happen if he doesnt brush. Tell him you dont like how your toothpaste tastes either but you use it anyeay because it helps keep your teeth healthy.