About
What is ToothPASTE?
ToothPASTE is an online resource developed specifically for parents of young autistic children. It provides practical, autism-sensitive information and guidance on tooth and gum care. The goal of the website is to empower parents with tips, tools, and tailored advice that can make it easier to care for their child’s teeth, helping to establish healthy habits from a young age. ToothPASTE was co-designed with parents and early-years professionals to ensure that the content is realistic, supportive, and aligned with the unique needs and challenges faced by families of autistic children.
The website has been led by extensive research and working with families. The resources include practical advice on toothbrushing, healthy eating, and navigating dental visits—all tailored to reflect real-life experiences and challenges.
Why does toothPASTE matter?
Tooth decay is a common but preventable problem affecting around one in four five-year-olds in England. When untreated, it can lead to toothache, poor sleep, eating difficulties, and even impact school attendance—all of which reduce a child’s quality of life. In fact, tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for young children in England, costing the NHS over £50 million each year.
For families with autistic children, this can be especially challenging. Sensory sensitivities can make toothbrushing difficult, while preferred or restricted diets may complicate efforts to limit sugary snacks and drinks. Dental visits are often stressful too, and autistic children are twice as likely to require dental treatment under general anaesthetic.
Parents often turn to early-years professionals for advice on their child’s oral health. However, these professionals typically receive limited oral health training and may feel unsure about the guidance to provide.
ToothPASTE was created specifically to support families facing these challenges, offering practical, autism-friendly advice and resources.
Summary of the research behind toothPASTE
Watch our Research Project Manager, Amrit, discuss the toothPASTE study:
The Research Behind ToothPASTE
The development of ToothPASTE was guided by research and close collaboration with parents of autistic children, autistic children themselves, and early-years professionals. We worked with a group of parents with personal experience, called our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) panel, who helped us make sure the website meets real needs and challenges that families face every day. You can read about our team, including our parent panel here.
Understanding what worked and did not work
We looked at existing research and spoke with autistic children, parents, and early-years professionals to understand what makes caring for children’s teeth challenging and what can help. Parents often described toothbrushing as a “battle,” with children struggling with sensory issues, like the taste and feel of toothpaste. Professionals, who are often asked for advice on oral health, wanted more training to feel confident in helping families.
Co-designing the toothPASTE website
Together with our parent panel, early-years professionals, and other key partners, we created the ToothPASTE website through a series of workshops. These workshops focused on everyday challenges, like toothbrushing, healthy eating, and dentist visits, to design what the website would include to help families.
Read our plain summary
Below, you will find our plain summary detailing our research process and findings.
