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Toothbrushing is a skill that every child learns - but why do some children struggle more than others when it comes to brushing their teeth?
We break down the WHY behind a variety of challenges related to toothbrushing - specifically from a sensory perspective but also looking at the specific skills required. Then we give you our favorite tips and tricks to try at home! We'll also answer two listener questions at the end, so make sure you stick around!
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Toothbrushing is a basic part of every child’s daily routine—but for children with sensory processing challenges, it can feel anything but routine. If you’re a parent or therapist supporting a sensory-sensitive child, you’ve likely seen firsthand how tough this task can be.
At Harkla, we believe that with understanding and the right strategies, even the most frustrating routines can become manageable—and even empowering. In this article, we’ll explorewhy toothbrushing is so difficult for sensory kiddos, and more importantly,what you can do to help.
Before jumping into solutions, it's important to understand why toothbrushing is such a complex task. It involves multiple skill areas working in harmony:
Children need to:
Sequence the steps (get toothbrush, apply toothpaste, brush, rinse, spit, clean up).
Focus on the task for 2–5 minutes.
Organize their tools (toothpaste, cup, toothbrush).
Kids with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorder often have delays in executive functioning, which makes these tasks feel overwhelming.
Toothbrushing requires:
Hand strength to squeeze toothpaste.
Dexterity to maneuver the brush at different angles.
Shoulder and arm strength to hold their hand up for extended periods.
Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand—you’ll get a glimpse of how difficult it can be!
Many sensory kiddos struggle with:
Lip and tongue control.
Managing saliva and toothpaste.
Spitting and rinsing.
These children may also gag easily, drool excessively, or avoid the toothbrush entirely.
Toothbrush bristles, toothpaste textures, and strong flavors can trigger:
Tactile defensiveness inside the mouth.
Aversion to taste or smell.
Overwhelming input from vibration or foam.
For many, this leads to refusal and distress during toothbrushing.
Now that we understand the “why,” let’s explore practical, research-backed strategies to reduce stress and build independence with toothbrushing.
Support sequencing and attention by using:
A step-by-step toothbrushing chart.
A full morning or bedtime routine schedule.
Picture cards or checklists near the bathroom sink.
This provides predictability and reduces cognitive load.
Tools like:
Sand timers or countdown clocks.
The Brushes App (which includes music and visual prompts).
These can make brushing more fun and easier to complete.
Help build the underlying skills by:
Practicing on dolls, fake dentures, or “chattering teeth” toys.
Drawing a mouth on a whiteboard and “brushing away” dry-erase marker “plaque”.
This supports both fine motor coordination and understanding of the process.
Try:
Vibrating toothbrushes.
Finger brushes.
Non-foaming or flavorless toothpaste.
Letting the child pick their own tools in the store.
This empowers the child and may reduce oral aversions.
If brushing feels like a battle:
Do quick, silly swipes with exaggerated sound effects.
Take turns brushing each other’s teeth or use a mirror.
Try brushing while singing a favorite song.
Fun and novelty help reduce anxiety and resistance.
Incorporate oral sensory input throughout the day:
Use a Z-Vibe or other oral motor tools (like vibrating teethers).
Try crunchy snacks or blowing activities to stimulate the mouth.
Use the toothbrush tip on the Z-Vibe to bridge the gap.
Frequent exposure outside of brushing time reduces oral hypersensitivity.
For many kids, these are not instinctive skills. Teach spitting by:
Having them say “twooo!” forcefully over the sink.
Start with no liquid, then practice with small sips of water.
For gargling:
Practice tilting the head back.
Exhale or make a gurgling noise.
Then add small amounts of water.
Patience and consistency are key.
Just like with most therapy-based strategies,play is the best teacher. Focus on:
Blowing games (bubbles, cotton balls, pinwheels).
Oral motor cards from Super Duper®.
Chewy tools or blowing whistles.
Stacking blocks, Jenga, Legos.
Using tweezers and tongs.
Building midline stability with arms elevated.
These help improve strength and coordination needed for independent brushing.
If you only remember two things from this article:
Toothbrushing challenges aren’t behavioral—they’re skill-based. Start with empathy. Your child isn't trying to be difficult.
Sensory success takes time and repetition. Stick with it, even when progress feels slow.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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