Why Brushing Teeth Can Be Challenging for Autistic Children
Struggling with getting your autistic child to brush their teeth? You're not alone! Many autistic children face sensory challenges that make oral hygiene overwhelming. In this guide, you'll discover a simple, step-by-step method to make teeth brushing easier, stress-free, and part of your child's daily routine
If brushing feels overwhelming, don’t worry—there is a way to make it manageable! The key is patience, desensitization, and positive reinforcement.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a gentle, step-by-step approach that gradually helps children get comfortable with brushing. This method isn’t a quick fix—it takes time, but within 1 to 2 months, your child should be able to brush their teeth fully and regularly.
Step-by-Step Teeth Brushing Method for Autistic Children
Instead of forcing a full brushing routine immediately, try breaking it down into smaller steps. This approach helps autistic children:
Get used to the toothbrush gradually without feeling overwhelmed.
Reduce anxiety and oral sensitivities by building comfort over time.
Create a predictable brushing routine with a structured countdown (3-2-1).
Phase 1: Start Fresh and Build Comfort
- Have your child accept the toothbrush near them.
- Say "Brush teeth" and gently touch the toothbrush to their lips or cheek.
- Say "1—All done! Yay!" to celebrate.
- Repeat until your child is comfortable with the toothbrush near their mouth.
Phase 2: Introduce the Toothbrush
- Once your child tolerates the brush near them, try touching it to their lips or teeth for just a second.
- Say "3-2-1—All done! Yay!" and remove the brush.
- Gradually increase the time, aiming for one or two strokes inside the mouth.
- Only progress when they are comfortable.
Phase 3: Brush One Section at a Time
Now that they accept the brush inside their mouth, start brushing one small area at a time.
- Begin with the top right for one session:
Say "3-2-1—All done! Yay!"
- Next time, do the bottom right:
Again, say "3-2-1—All done! Yay!"
- Continue with a different section each session:
Top left
Bottom left
Front top
Front bottom
This process may take a week or more, and that’s okay! Your goal is progress, not speed.
Phase 4: Combine Sections
Once your child is comfortable with one section at a time, start brushing two sections per session:
- Morning: Brush top and bottom of one side.
- Evening: Brush top and bottom of the other side.
At this stage, it takes 1.5 days to brush all teeth, which is already a big improvement!
Phase 5: Slow Down the Countdown
- Instead of quickly saying "3-2-1", try a slower countdown:
"3...2...1... (brush top teeth)"
"3...2...1... (brush bottom teeth)"
- This helps extend brushing time while keeping it predictable.
Phase 6: Move to Full Brushing Sessions
- Once they tolerate longer brushing times, increase the segments:
Morning: Brush one full side + front teeth.
Evening: Brush the other full side + front teeth.
- Eventually, combine everything into one full brushing session.
The Best Sensory-Friendly Toothbrushes & Tools
Different toothbrushes and tools can make brushing easier and more comfortable:
Three-Sided Toothbrushes
These brush all sides of the tooth at once, reducing brushing time and ensuring better coverage.
Electric Toothbrushes
The vibrations can help children who struggle with manual brushing, making the process faster and more efficient.
Bedi Finger Guards
These can help prevent biting during brushing, making it safer for caregivers.
Flavoured toothpaste
Can get almost any flavour nowadays. Strawberry and bubblegum are a hit with many.
Unflavoured,non foaming toothpaste
Sometimes it's the sensory feels or the taste that bothers the child. Unflavoured and non foaming toothpastes like organise can sometimes take that issue out of the equation.
How Long Will This Take?
Weeks 1-2: Your child should tolerate brushing small sections every 2.5 days—a huge step forward if brushing wasn’t happening at all before!
By 1-2 months: They should be able to brush all teeth fully twice a day.
We'd love to hear from you! What has worked for your child when it comes to brushing their teeth? Share your experiences,connect with us on Facebook for more autism-friendly parenting tips."
struggling with the school process? check out our older blog Navigating the Irish School System for CHildren with special education needs
Not sure if you have all the resources you are entitled to ?
Check out our resources page and After an Autism Diagnosis in Ireland:Your Essential Guide to Support,Schools and Financial Assistance
Know someone who will find this useful send it on on Facebook or WhatsApp below