My toddler won't let me brush their teeth - what now?

You know dental hygiene is important.

Your toddler, however, thinks brushing their teeth is a personal attack. (Is it because of that one time you pinned them down to try to do it while they flailed about like a caught chicken?)

You’ve tried singing. You’ve tried explaining. You’ve tried making the toothbrush “talk” in a funny voice. And still, every night ends with flailing limbs, a clenched jaw, and a toothbrush hurled across the room like it personally offended them.

Let’s talk about it.

First, it’s totally normal

Toothbrushing resistance is one of the most common toddler battles. Why?

Because it ticks all their “no thanks” boxes:

• It involves putting something in their mouth (sensory!)

• It usually happens when they’re tired (timing!)

• It’s something you want them to do (control!)

Good times.

What’s going on?

Toddlers crave autonomy and brushing feels like something happening to them, not something they’re choosing. Add a splash of sensory sensitivity, and boom: nightly standoff.

What actually helps?

You don’t need a sticker chart and a dance routine (though hey, if it works…).Try a few of these real-world tricks:

1. Brush together (mirror magic)

Let them see you brush your own teeth. Toddlers are wired to imitate.Bonus points: let them “brush” yours while you brush theirs.

2. Hand over control (with boundaries)

Offer a choice: “Do you want to brush first, or should I?” Or: “Blue toothbrush or green?” Letting them go first (even if they just chew on it) can reduce resistance when it’s your turn.

3. Try a toothbrushing video or song

Not forever — just as a tool to create novelty and predictability.

Daniel Tiger, Elmo, and Blippi have all contributed to clean toddler molars.

4. Make the toothbrush a character

“This is Dr. Brush. He only talks to mouths.” Ridiculous? Yes. Effective? Also yes.

5. Keep it short and chill

Don’t turn it into a 10-minute production. If all you get is a quick swipe, that’s something. Celebrate it. Try again tomorrow.

What if none of it works?

That’s okay too. Some nights are just chaos.

But the more calm, playful, and consistent you are, the more likely it’ll click over time.

And if you’re wondering “How much brushing actually matters at this age?” or “What do I do when my toddler refuses medicine too?” — Ask Yawn. We get it. We’ve seen it.

And we’ll talk you through it.

One mini meltdown at a time.