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Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing imageHere are some tips to help increase independence and participation in toothbrushing.

Routine

  • Try using a visual schedule to help reduce stress and anxiety during teeth brushing.
  • It provides clear expectations of what's going to come next and reduce the auditory input for following directions.
  • Also it ensures that the same routine is used every time helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Plan to utilize the same language, visuals, toothbrush and toothpaste every time you work on toothbrushing.
  • It will be helpful to complete this toothbrushing routine around the same time every day after an event like a meal, or when you first wake up in the morning.

Toothbrush

  • Consider using a three-sided toothbrush as this cleans faster and gets all 3 sides of teeth done with just one brushing stroke.
  • The young person may prefer an electric toothbrush. Feeling the vibrations may create a more tolerable and enjoyable experience (usually more effective with under- responsive or sensory seeking children).
  • Consider if the young person prefers to have the toothbrush wet first or not and if so, what temperature of water do they prefer?

Tips

  • Try using a timer it can help with anxiety and seeing there is an end to the activity.
  • Try singing a song or count to 10 for each side of mouth, top and bottom. Brush to a tune or song that is easily broken into small chunks for brushing each part of the mouth.
  • Flavoured toothpaste brings an element of fun to the task. You can have a few different flavours to try allowing your young person a sense of control of the situation.
  • Take turns brushing, helping your young person with tooth brushing can take away stress of coordinating hand to mouth, and challenges with completing multiple steps needed for toothbrushing.

Sensory support

These activities may help prepare for the task.
 
A lot of the activities provide deep pressure.
 
  • Use a warm or soft face cloth to massage / rub your young person's mouth, cheeks, and jaw line before you start brushing.
  • Wrap them firmly in a towel/ blanket and give them a bear hug/ shoulder rub.
  • Allow them to sit in a chair while they brush their teeth, with their feet flat on the floor and sitting back. This can feel relaxing if they are anxious.
  • Use distraction and motivators: have a fidget toy to squeeze during the task. Keep the fidget toy only for teeth brushing.
Last updated10 Oct 2025
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