We had the same issue for ages. I would attempt to do it, and when he refused, I'd just leave it a few months and come back to it. We started out by letting him have baby toothpaste (bought from Coles) and he would suck on it (I KNOW.....) and just the hang of it. Now at just over 2 & 1/2, he wanted to brush his teeth all by himself, which I let him. We fought over me letting him do it or sharing it. So I would do it some days and then forget about it.

I then had the fortunate experience of seeing an older boy (about 4) on the beach during summer who had yellowish teeth. I pointed it out to my son and did the old ' you don't want yellow teeth like that boy....' and then after a few attempts, he would let me 'clean the yellow off' and he would finish the rest - however that was.

We still have some days about it, but on the whole its been much easier. See if you can explain yellow teeth vs white teeth and see how you go.

I am/was obsessive about wanting clean teeth and good oral habits. But what I've come to understand is that they will approach the task in their own time, so don't waste your time if he wont come to the party.