Teeth Brushing Tips

Toothbrush

If possible, involve your child in choosing their own toothbrush. Explain there are different textures for toothbrush bristles (soft, medium, firm) and allow them to try different options. There are also silicone toothbrushes with a different texture than normal bristle toothbrushes, which may be a good alternative.

There are manual and electric toothbrush options, and it may be helpful to your child to try both options to see which they prefer. A good quality electric toothbrush can be helpful if your child struggles to hold and move a manual toothbrush in their mouth correctly, but it can be overwhelming or uncomfortable for a child with tactile (touch) sensitivities.

If holding the handle of a toothbrush is difficult, it may be helpful to try a finger toothbrush, though a chat with your child’s dentist about the pros and cons of such a brush is advised. These toothbrushes are generally designed for babies, but your dentist may feel it is a preferable option to no brushing at all.  

There is a growing trend for mouthpiece or u-shaped electric toothbrushes but there is little evidence to support their effectiveness, and again, advice from your child’s dentist should be sought if you are considering this option.

Toothpaste

There are a wide variety of toothpaste options on the market, so if the taste or foaming nature of toothpaste is problematic for your child, it may be helpful to try a few alternatives with your child to see what is best for them. UK Dentists recommend a fluoride toothpaste with between 1,350 ppm – 1,500 ppm of fluoride for children over 7 years old (This can be found on the toothpaste label).

OraNurse is an unflavoured, non-foaming toothpaste which may be a helpful option for your child: oraNurse – Oral Care For All

Routine

Try to establish a predictable toothbrushing routine at home, with all equipment easily available to reduce any stress. Choose a room where your child feels safe and regulated, and if this is not your normal bathroom, ensure there is a mirror, glass of water, towel, and a bowl to spit toothpaste residue. It may be more stable for your child to sit rather than stand to brush their teeth, so try both and see what works best.

Visuals

It may be helpful for your child to use a visual schedule of their home routine, which includes when toothbrushing time is.

A visual sequence of the order for toothbrushing may also help reduce anxiety. This is an example from the website Twinkl (though you could draw one, or use photographs of your own bathroom and equipment at home!) Printable How to Brush Your Teeth Instructions | Twinkl

A timer (small sand timer, digital timer, or app on a smartphone) can help your child know when the activity will be over – dentists recommend 2 minutes each time your child brushes.

Songs, video clips, and Social Stories

A toothbrushing song or watching an age-appropriate video clip can be fun ways to reduce anxiety. A Social Story can be a helpful tool to teach your child the importance of brushing their teeth.

This is an example from the website ‘Autism Adventures’:

I Can Brush My Teeth- Social Story » Autism Adventures

Sensory Differences

If your child has been assessed as having sensory differences, it may be helpful to speak to your child’s Occupational Therapist to find out if there are any activities to try before or afterwards to help them feel more comfortable.