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My autistic child hates brushing teeth. What can I do?

Why toothbrushing is a sensory challenge, gentler tools and toothpaste, picture steps and a timer.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 28, 2026 · 1 min read
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A father helping his daughter brush her teeth at the bathroom sink
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The short answer

Toothbrushing can feel intense for autistic children: the bristles, the taste of mint, foam and someone's hand near their mouth. Try a soft or three-sided brush, a mild or unflavoured toothpaste, a picture routine, and a short song or timer so your child knows when it ends. Build up slowly, let them brush first, and finish with a first-then reward.

Key takeaways
  • Toothbrushing is often a sensory challenge.
  • Try soft brushes and mild toothpaste.
  • Use picture steps and a timer so it has a clear end.
  • First brush, then something your child likes.

Why is toothbrushing so hard?

The mouth is very sensitive. Bristles, strong mint, foam, the sound of brushing and someone's hand close to the face can all feel like too much. Dental guidance for children with special health care needs encourages individualised, gradual approaches.1

What tools can help?

Try
  • Extra-soft or three-sided toothbrushes
  • Mild or unflavoured, low-foam toothpaste
  • A mirror so your child can see what's happening
  • Letting your child hold the brush first
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  • Strong mint toothpaste
  • Holding your child down
  • Long brushing with no clear end

What routine works?

  1. Show picture steps: toothpaste, brush top, brush bottom, spit, rinse, done.2
  2. Use a timer or song so your child knows when it ends.
  3. Start short, even 10 seconds, and build up.
  4. Let your child brush first, then you finish.
  5. First teeth, then a story or favourite toy.
Free first-then printablePDF · 1 page · two large picture slots
Download Free first-then printable

What can I try this week?

0 of 3 done

Read next: How do I prepare my autistic child for the dentist?

Common questions

Many children prefer mild or unflavoured, low-foam toothpaste. Ask your dentist how much fluoride toothpaste to use for your child's age.

Sources

  1. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Management of dental patients with special health care needs. aapd.org
  2. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. afirm.fpg.unc.edu

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

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