Hello all, first time poster here.
I'm a father to two wonderful 19mo twin girls. Myself and my wife really taken to parenting - feel like we do pretty well in all departments (through a lot of effort), and can never complain about their development, eating, sleeping etc.
However, the one area we feel like we are failing a bit is brushing of teeth. We started this as soon as teeth started to show - as recommended - and was easier when they were babies (of course); but to be honest now is something we are very apprehensive about and always dread when it's time, as are the girls.
Have tried different tooth brushes, different tooth pastes, sustained periods of letting them "do it themselves" - all to no avail. It's got to the point where (and this reads terrible as I've just typed this out) we have to hold them down in order to effectively brush their teeth. Feel like it's a bit of a lose-lose: if we want to avoid upset and don't brush properly, they get noticeable food/plaque on their teeth; if we want it to be effective it's a total meltdown and tears. It's starting to get to us both, as it can be upsetting/distressing having to go through this; but as per above it's the only way we can properly clean their teeth.
Open to any advice or things more experienced parents have tried. Or if it's just a case of roll with it through the tears until they are a bit older to try again with independent brushing and reasoning (well, as much as you can reason with toddlers).
Thanks in advance!