Getting my nephew to brush is like trying to wrangle a greased pig—he’s mastered the art of hiding behind doors and “forgetting” his toothbrush. Mouthwash? Not even in the realm of possibility. I used to get all worked up, worried his teeth would fall out or something, but lately I just count it as a win if he lets me do a quick swipe with the dino paste. Sometimes I wonder if the struggle is universal or if we just got extra stubborn kids... Either way, I’m learning to celebrate those tiny victories.
Toothpaste is the only thing my son will tolerate, and even that’s a stretch. Mouthwash? Not a chance—he says it “burns his tongue” even with the mildest kid flavors. I read somewhere that brushing does way more for plaque than mouthwash anyway, so I just focus on making brushing less of a battle. We’ve got toothbrushes with lights, timers, even one that plays music... It’s all about making it fun, but honestly, some days it’s just a quick swipe and we call it good. I figure consistency matters more than perfection at this age.
Toothpaste is the only thing my daughter will go near, too. She acts like mouthwash is some sort of medieval torture device—one whiff and she’s dramatically clutching her throat. I’ve tried those “gentle” kid rinses, but apparently they’re still too spicy for her. At this point, if we get two minutes of brushing without a meltdown, I’m calling it a win. I keep telling myself that as long as we’re doing it every day, eventually she’ll get used to it... or at least stop hiding the toothbrush behind the toilet.
Mouthwash always felt like liquid fire to me too, even as an adult. I still have to brace myself before using it, and I’ll admit there are days I just skip it altogether. My grandkids are the same—one sniff and they’re off running. Toothpaste is about all we manage around here, and even then, it’s a bit of a production. I figure as long as she’s brushing every day, you’re doing better than most. Kids have a sixth sense for finding the grossest spot to stash a toothbrush, don’t they?
Kids have a sixth sense for finding the grossest spot to stash a toothbrush, don’t they?
Tell me about it... I swear my youngest once hid hers behind the toilet tank. About mouthwash, have you tried the alcohol-free kind? It’s way milder and doesn’t burn. We switched and now it’s not such a battle, plus it’s cheaper in bulk. Does anyone else notice the regular stuff just dries your mouth out anyway?
