How to support your child during toothbrushing
Overview
This video and the information below provides you with some considerations and strategies if you feel you need an extra pair of hands or if you are considering gentle ways to hold/support your child.
Watch again: Safe ways to brush
Jump straight to what parents and early years professionals have said about supporting children during toothbrushing
Safe ways to brush: Introduction to common challenges
Safe ways to brush: Importance of your child's positioning, movement and balance
Safe ways to brush: Techniques when brushing
An extra pair of hands
Brushing the teeth can be challenging, and at times, it may require two people to complete the task effectively and safely. While parents/caregivers may experience guilt, it’s important to recognise that requiring help from another person or changing strategies is not a reflection of failure or a lack of parenting skills; rather, it's an adaptation to meet the child's needs. We recognise that there may be strategies you can use to support your child when brushing their teeth.
Importance of clear roles
The way the two parents work together is important to making the toothbrushing routine a positive experience. One person might focus on the actual brushing, while the other provides support to the child, ensuring they are comfortable. One person could support your child with a hug, and the other could stand behind the child and support their head whilst brushing.
Communication is key
This is between the parents and the child—to explain the process and help the child anticipate each step. Work slowly and talk your child through the process. When brushing, count down each stroke and tell them that you are moving on to the next section. This can let the child know there is a definite end. This not only helps the anticipation but lets them know that the toothbrushing won't last long.
One step at a time: Toothbrushing
You could set the number of strokes you aim for each time (top, bottom, side front). You could start small like 2 back and forth strokes and work your way up over time.
Positioning your child when brushing
My child is unsteady on their feet, they might often trip or fall for no obvious reason
Think about whether your child finds it hard to keep their balance in other activities.
When standing, you could give your child something to lean against such as your body or hold on to such as the edge of the sink. You can encourage your child to stand with feet flat on the floor with their legs hip-width apart. If your child likes to use a step, then this needs to be non-slip and wide enough for their feet.
Think about whether your child prefers to be bare-foot or wearing shoes. The floor should be dry, and any bathmats should be non-slip. Your child may prefer to be seated. A mirror positioned at the correct height for the child may be beneficial, so that they can see themselves without stretching.
My child struggles to sit right
This could be because their core muscles are not strong enough yet, or they might struggle with body awareness or balance. Positioning the feet flat on the floor and ensuring the child’s bottom is well back on the chair can be helpful. The use of a stool or step to rest their feet on can also be beneficial. If the chair is too deep, a cushion behind the child can provide support. If your child slips around on the chair, you could try placing a piece of non-slip matting on the chair.
It may be easier to sit on the floor with the child sitting between your knees, or to sit on a beanbag chair. If you are using a mirror to support brushing, make sure that this can be seen from wherever the child is sitting.
My child struggles to sit still
You will need to think about why your child is struggling to sit still. It may be because they find it hard to balance and hold themselves upright. If this is the case, trying a more stable, seated position may help.
Moving around whilst brushing may help your child feel more regulated. They could wriggle in a beanbag whilst having their teeth brushed or be hugged and rocked gently in your lap. Some children like to move on the spot to music and you could mark the places to stand on the floor with tape.
Kneeling on the ground can give more deep pressure input, or your child might like to use a foot roller whilst they sit down and brush. (It is possible to make your own which would be just as effective as a more expensive version). A raised texture play mat can be fun to explore with the feet.
Other ways to gain sensory input include placing the child’s feet on a slightly inflated wobble cushion whilst standing or sitting. It is important to keep their back well supported whilst doing this. You could also try a wobble wedge on a chair, this can improve posture whilst offering the opportunity for movement. It is important to make sure that the child’s feet can rest securely on the floor.
My child struggles to lean forwards and backwards
Some children become disorientated after a change in head position, which can make them feel unsteady or sick. You may have noticed them avoid tilting their head in other activities. Sitting securely with added deep pressure can help to overcome this.
Your child will need information about where their body is in space. They could gain this by leaning against your body or against a beanbag. They could place their feet on the floor or let them push their feet against a wall for stability.
Your child might like to wrap a towel firmly around their body and shoulders. Some children like their knees (and arms if they are not helping to brush) tucked inside a stretchy, oversized top to make a personal ‘tent’. Other children have enjoyed sitting in laundry basket or box so that they can feel the edges of their body.
Work slowly and take a small break whenever the child shows discomfort. It's important to show you are working with them. This may mean having a pause and it’s important to let them control the pace of brushing.