Rob Lifford

Since Violet got her first tooth, she’s filled in some more: I believe she now has the front four on top, the front two on the bottom, and a few molars have come in a bit early. We realized recently it was high time to get her into the habit of brushing those teeth, so they’ll be nice and healthy until her adult set comes in someday.

I was pretty dubious about how the whole thing would go, but during her bathtime last night I brought in my tootbrush and gave her a little demo (with just water, no toothpaste yet). When I produced her cute little toddler toothbrush from the drawer and ran it under the water, she was so excited to see it that she squealed with glee, stuck it right in her mouth, and started imitating my brushing motions. Amazing.

So, as it turned out, the trick wasn’t getting her to start brushing her teeth, it was getting her to stop. She continued brushing for the rest of the bath, and all through her getting-pajamas-on routine. Good girl!

I wonder when a toddler is ready to floss…