Why Does My Child Hate Brushing? 5 Common Reasons & How to Fix Them

Brushing teeth is a battle in many households. If your child resists, gags, or flat-out refuses to brush, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s always a reason behind their reluctance—and solutions to make the process easier for everyone.

Here are five common reasons kids hate brushing (and what you can do about it).

1. Sensory Issues: “It Feels Weird!”

Some children have heightened sensitivity to touch, texture, or pressure, making the act of brushing uncomfortable—even unbearable.

Fix it:
✅ Try different toothbrushes—soft bristles, silicone brushes, or smaller brush heads can help.
✅ Let your child choose their own toothbrush so they feel in control.
✅ Experiment with gentle brushing techniques and give them time to adjust.
✅ If they struggle with the feeling of toothpaste, try brushing with just water first, then introduce a mild-flavoured toothpaste.

2. They Dislike the Taste of Toothpaste

Many kids complain that toothpaste is too “spicy” or tastes bad. Minty flavours, in particular, can be overwhelming.

Fix it:
✅ Try different flavours—mild fruit or bubblegum options might be more appealing.
✅ Use only a tiny smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice for under 3s, a pea-sized amount for older kids).
✅ If your child is highly sensitive, start brushing without toothpaste and slowly introduce it over time.

3. They Want Independence

Some children resist brushing because they want control over their own body. Being told what to do—especially during a daily routine—can lead to power struggles.

Fix it:
✅ Let them “brush first” while you do a final check-up.
✅ Give them choices: “Do you want to use the blue toothbrush or the green one?”
✅ Use a mirror so they can see what’s happening and feel more involved.

4. Brushing Feels Like a Chore

If brushing is just another task they have to do, kids might avoid it simply because it’s boring or annoying.

Fix it:
✅ Turn it into a game—use a timer, play a fun song, or brush together.
✅ Use an electric toothbrush with lights or music to make it more engaging.
✅ Try storytelling: pretend their teeth are superheroes fighting off cavity monsters!

5. They Have a Strong Gag Reflex

For some children, brushing triggers a gag reflex, making it an unpleasant or even distressing experience.

Fix it:
✅ Switch to a smaller toothbrush or one with ultra-soft bristles.
✅ Encourage them to breathe through their nose while brushing.
✅ Start brushing the front teeth first and gradually work towards the back.
✅ If the gag reflex is severe, talk to your dentist for personalised advice.

Final Thoughts

If your child hates brushing, don’t panic—it’s a common struggle with plenty of solutions. The key is patience, flexibility, and making small adjustments to suit their needs. With the right approach, you can turn brushing time into a smoother (and maybe even fun!) part of their daily routine.

Do you have any tips that worked for your child? Share them in the comments below! 🚀🦷