How do I get my 4 year old to brush her teeth?!

How do I get my 4 year old to brush her teeth?

I have tried everything from awards to threats.

At 4 years old you need to still be brushing her teeth. If you let her brush yours then say now it is my turn to brush yours, it might help. Provide a timer of some sort..the sand timer or even the buzzer kind. I would let them take the brush into the bathtub so they could just scrub while they sat there. Give them a cup of water to dip into to make it more fun. I told my child about the bugs in her teeth that needed to be cleaned off in the morning and especially before bed before they would eat holes into the teeth. I know it seems harsh, but it helped motivate both my girls. Make some fuzzy little creatures out of craft materials and leave them in the bathroom as a reminder about the bugs. When your daughter is able to brush and take care of her hair, then she probably can brush her teeth correctly. Until then it is a team effort. Try not to make it a me against you kind of war. This happens a lot between mothers and daughters. It won't always be this hard....this too will pass. Rinsing with Act fluoride may also make this period not so stressful for you. Brush with plain water and then rinse a very small amount or paint it on with a cotton swab. Avoid the fruit juices or soda pops as a regular drink source too. And only sugarless gum if any is allowed.