Tips for introducing
toothpaste
Overview
This section is designed to help introduce toothpaste in a gentle and supportive way. It provides practical tips and a step-by-step approach to make the experience more comfortable and less overwhelming for your child. By gradually familiarising your child with the look, smell, feel, and taste of toothpaste, you can help them become more at ease with this new sensory experience.
Starting a toothbrushing routine with your child can be a gradual and patient process. It’s all about working in small steps and being kind to yourself along the way. Hear from Nikki here as she shares her experiences of taking it one step at a time to build a full toothbrushing routine.
Getting Ready
To handle new or challenging experiences, it’s important for both your body and mind to feel calm and prepared. Check out the ‘Getting ready to brush’ section for ideas to help you and your child get ready to introduce toothpaste.
Getting to know toothpaste
Start by letting your child play with toothpaste at different times to get used to how it looks, smells, feels, and tastes. Take it step by step, beginning with what your child is comfortable with. Even a few seconds of exploration can help make toothpaste more familiar over time.
Here's an example of a gradual approach:
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Encourage your child to explore the toothpaste packaging by looking at the box and closed tube.
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Put a bit of toothpaste in a saucer or shallow bowl and let your child look at it. You can cover it with a clear plastic container if that helps.
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Encourage your child to smell the toothpaste from a safe distance.
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Let your child touch the toothpaste with a toothbrush, spoon, or piece of kitchen towel. This could be anything that allows them to explore it at a safe distance.
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Help your child flatten the blob of toothpaste with the back of a spoon.
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If your child isn’t ready for direct contact, have them touch the toothpaste with a covered finger, using cling film wrapped around a finger.
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When they’re ready, let your child touch the toothpaste with a bare fingertip.
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Add a few drops of water to the toothpaste and let your child mix it to make a thin paste with a spoon or brush.
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Dab a tiny smear of toothpaste on your finger and encourage your child to touch it to their lips. Wipe it off if they’re not ready to taste it. There are no taste buds on the lips but it will help bring the smell of toothpaste closer.
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Use your fingertip to dab a tiny amount of toothpaste on their tongue.
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Dab a tiny amount of toothpaste on their top lip and invite your child to find it with their tongue. Start by looking in a mirror then try without.
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Dab a tiny amount of toothpaste on a front tooth and wipe off with a clean cloth.
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Finally, introduce a smear of toothpaste on their preferred toothbrush.
These steps might happen quickly or take several weeks or months. Please remember to work at your child's pace and this may change from day to day. Parents have found that their child might choose a different order or go back to a previous stage, especially if they’re teething or unwell.
Watch again
Jump straight to the video below to hear parents and professionals share their tips on introducing toothpaste.
Introducing toothpaste in play
Some parents have found it helpful to link toothpaste play with their child’s interests. The goal is to be comfortable around toothpaste with no pressure to taste it. Try talking about the texture and smell and the way the toothpaste looks and changes or sing a simple song to describe the play. If your child does decide to have a taste this is a bonus! A few seconds or minutes of play all add up over time to help toothpaste become more familiar. Rewatch the video above to hear parents and professionals share their tips on introducing toothpaste in play.
Downloadable Resources: Tips for sensory comfort
This downloadable resource provides helpful tips for parents to make toothbrushing more comfortable for children who have sensory sensitivities. Sensory sensitivities can make everyday tasks like brushing teeth challenging for some children. These tips, created by an occupational therapist, offer practical strategies to help children feel more at ease during their toothbrushing routine.
