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Building toothbrushing
routines 

Overview

Creating a regular toothbrushing routine is important for keeping your child's teeth healthy. For autistic children, having a clear routine makes it easier to know what to expect, which can reduce anxiety. Below are some examples of how to make toothbrushing a part of your regular day.​

Image by Kelly Sikkema

Visual aids 

For some children, brushing their teeth can feel overwhelming. Using pictures or a chart to show each step can make it easier and less stressful. This section explains how visual aids, like stories with pictures and schedules, help make toothbrushing more predictable and manageable.

Timers and alarms

Using a timer can make toothbrushing easier and more fun for children by showing a clear end. It also helps build a regular brushing habit. This section offers tips on using timers and alarms, plus ideas for different types of timers you can try.

Apps 

Apps can help some children by distracting and encouraging them during brushing. This section provides links and examples of apps that might benefit children who enjoy using apps or videos while brushing.

Adapting brushing routines to your child's mood and energy levels 

Spoon theory is a helpful way to understand your child's energy levels and why they change each day. This section gives tips on using spoon theory to manage your child's energy when brushing their teeth.

Speaking with others about your child's toothbrushing routine 

Some parents find it helpful to involve schools, family, or friends in their child's toothbrushing routine. This section includes information and resources to support these conversations.

Recommended by families 

​Tell us what works for your family! Does your child have a favourite toothbrush or toothpaste? Is there a brushing routine or trick that helps make things easier at home? We’d love to hear your ideas, your tips could help other families.

Key messages

Watch again

Jump straight to what parents and early years professionals have said about building routines.

When to brush: Making toothbrushing routines work for your family

When to brush: Making toothbrushing routines work for your family

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