Consistency is important. Keeping a routine will help ease the anxiety for your child. They will know to expect brushing their teeth every day at the same time. Visual schedules can also be a great tool to assist your child with a visual, so they know what to expect each day.

Choosing the wrong toothpaste can be the reason your child is struggling with brushing their teeth. Some children want unflavored toothpaste while others want different flavors or fluoride free toothpaste. Toothpaste textures can also be a reason that your child doesn't want to brush their teeth. It can take trying several different toothpastes before you find the right one.

Build up a tolerance to brushing teeth over time by trying each small step.

Be calm, patient and positive. This will help your child be more successful with their dental hygiene. Praise your child as much as possible. They will require a lot of encouragement.

Start with baby steps. Let them hold their own toothbrush. Try letting them feel the toothbrush on their lips and the next next day feeling the toothbrush on their tongue.

Model brushing your own teeth for your child. Invite them into the bathroom when you're brushing your teeth and explaining each step along the way.

If your child cannot tolerate a toothbrush maybe you could try using a finger brush or a Nuk brush.

Your child may need a calming space to brush their teeth or a room with less sensory stimuli. Choose a sensory friendly place to brush teeth and floss. Choose a quiet area with less light. This would be a place they are content and comfortable. A bathroom can sometimes be too overstimulating for a child to begin brushing their teeth.

Try different water temperatures. Some children prefer warm water and other children prefer cold water. If the water is too cold or too hot, this could make your child refuse to brush their teeth.

Rewards and charts can help with accomplishing goals for your child. Start with smaller goals. Collect stickers on a chart. Your child will be proud of themselves while seeing they are accomplishing goals for brushing their teeth and flossing.

Try letting your child brush their teeth in the mirror and watch themselves brush their teeth. Some children prefer to sit while others decide they like to stand more. Often some children prefer to brush their teeth while in the bathtub too.

Finding the right toothbrush can change everything. Your child may want a super soft toothbrush or they may prefer using a vibrating toothbrush. I have seen other parents also use oral swabs to start brushing their child's teeth too. All children are different, with different needs and sometimes you need to try several different brushes before you find the right one.

Reading books and social stories about going to the dentist will also be helpful for your child when preparing them for their first dental appointment. 

Finding the right floss can also be as challenging as finding the right toothbrush or the right toothpaste that your child is willing to use. Some children will prefer waxed floss and others prefer unwaxed. There are also different flavors for children too and unflavored if they don't like flavors. There are also kids flosser picks which some children prefer as they are easier for them to floss their own teeth and they enjoy the colors. You may try several different types of floss before you find the one that works for your child.

Try not to use threats for your child to brush their teeth. Making threats about cavities, fillings or trips to the dentist can be very scary for a child and may scare them or cause further anxiety when brushing their teeth.

Using oral motor tools and oral motor activities can also help your child. When your child receives a Sensory Processing Disorder diagnosis your child can meet with an Occupational Therapist to discuss your child's sensory diet plan and which oral motor tools and activities would be best for your child and what is age appropriate. Please always consult with a professional.

Remember when we were kids, we had those plaque tablets? They can be so helpful showing your child where they missed the plaque while brushing their teeth. There are also mouthwashes for kids to show them where they have missed places while brushing their teeth.