Getting you and your child ready

Overview

Preparing in advance can make toothbrushing easier and more comfortable. It can reduce stress, help you handle any changes smoothly, keep both you and your child calm, prevent sensory overload for your child, and increase your confidence.

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Preparation can be thought about as four main areas:  

The environment – where you are and who you are with 

Yourself - what you bring to the experience 

Your child – their strengths, preferences and needs  

The activity – everything needed for introducing a toothbrush or toothpaste and teeth brushing 

We will break down each of these areas and provide you with some recommendations to help get you and your child ready for the toothbrushing process.  

The Environment: 

• Think about your physical and social setting.  Make sure the space is comfortable and not overwhelming with sounds, smells, or sights. Check out this checklist for tips on adjusting the environment when brushing your child’s teeth.

• Keep the environment the same, whether at home or a familiar place like a grandparent’s house, to help your child feel safe.

• Think about the social environment- who is around when you are brushing your child’s teeth? 

Yourself: 

• Be mindful of yourself and how you feel when approaching toothbrushing. Your emotions, your feelings towards toothbrushing, your energy level and own sensory needs. 

• Think about how you smell. For example, your washing detergents, what you last ate or drank, and the toiletries you use.  

• Think about how you sound – voice tempo and pitch, breathing, your shoes on the floor, the noise of your jewellery or clothing (e.g. if they are swishing).

• Think about how you look and your body language – your expressions, clothing (patterned or plain, neutral or bright), how you wear your hair and whether this is the same. 

Your Child: 

• Adapt your approach to your child’s likes, developmental stage, abilities, and personality.

• Be mindful of their sensory preferences and challenges, and adjust to their energy levels and health needs (e.g. GI issues, constipation, sleep difficulties)

The Activity: 

• Have all the materials you need for introducing a toothbrush or toothpaste ready.

• Think about what the ‘activity’ is. This could be a short introduction to a toothbrush or toothpaste, brief or extended play, or actual teeth brushing.

Downloadable Resources