i don't brush oslo's teeth for him. i've tried a few times and was met with great resistance and just decided it was best not to make it a battle. he enjoys brushing his own teeth, so that's what happens around here. we use xylitol, like someone above mentioned-it's awesome and oslo LOVES it. he literally wants to suck on the bottle and will ask for "more more!" like it's candy.

i also agree about the role genetics play. i got my dad's amazing teeth-i have really hard enamel and have never had a cavity and i've gone 5 years without going to a dentist with no consequences. hopefully oz has inherited mine! regardless, i think the toddler dental health fears are a little much.