Try using sensory friendly toothpaste if you are not using baby training paste. Also, have you tried a music tooth brush or one that spins for you. Also look up YouTube videos. Kids123 has some great children's songs and one is for tooth rushing. Good luck!

My son had these issues at that age. We had his TSS & BSC help with this. It was slow going, but now he does brush his teeth on his own. Just hang in there. My son did not like the spin toothbrushes. Maybe try a reward AFTER he successfully does it, like a sticker or a little Matchbox car. Use a chart to mark his progress.

we were told to try an automatic toothbrush. We were told that for some kids it helps, because of the sensory.

My son even to this day would lock his jaw . He would also sound like he was getting murderer and it was always a terrifying experience. Are we damaging him emotionally?? His teeth still needed to get brushed so we skipped mornings and just did bedtimes to avoid terrorizing him. Spin brushes with characters he loved helped a lot! Still at age 5 we use non fluoride toothpaste and he's gotten better at brushing his teeth without assistance, but he still needs help often. I hate to say it but consistence is key.

ok.. this has been one of our battles for sure... what turned everything around for my 9yr ... a simple science project (done at school as a class project, but simple to do at home)... the project was which brand of toothpaste works best... this was physical and visual proof for my son that is does make a difference!!! this along wth the dental hygiene importance curriculum taught along wth project flipped the switch for him... he brushes now wthout even being prompted... he still hates it and a very uncomfortable but endures because he knows the importance now... btw jus plain AuqaFresh won and only toothpaste he will use, lol..