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How to teach a child to brush their teeth (step by step)

By The Tandli Team · Parents, educators & builders Published

Short answer

Break brushing teeth into small, concrete steps — pick up the brush, add toothpaste, brush each area, spit, rinse — and teach one step at a time with a picture and a short spoken prompt. Keep it predictable, and pair it with a reward to build the habit.

Step by step

3 min
  1. 1

    Pick up your toothbrush.

  2. 2

    Put toothpaste on the brush.

  3. 3

    Brush the outside of your teeth.

  4. 4

    Brush the inside of your teeth.

  5. 5

    Brush the tops of your teeth.

  6. 6

    Brush behind your front teeth.

  7. 7

    Brush your tongue gently.

  8. 8

    Spit into the sink.

  9. 9

    Rinse your toothbrush.

  10. 10

    Put your toothbrush away.

Why breaking it down helps

“Go brush your teeth” is actually a dozen small actions. For a child who finds sequencing or transitions hard, that gap between the instruction and knowing what to do first is where things stall. Task analysis — splitting the routine into single, concrete steps — closes that gap. Each step is one action, with one picture, so your child always knows exactly what to do now.

Tips for a calmer routine

  • Same time, same place, same order. Predictability is regulating.
  • Let the picture do the talking. A clear image per step reduces the need for verbal prompting, which can feel like pressure.
  • Count the brushing. Counting each section of the mouth turns “keep brushing” into a finite, visible task.
  • End on a win. A small, visible reward at the finish builds positive associations with a step some children find hard.

Adapting for your child

Reduce the number of steps to start (just “brush” and “spit”), and add detail as your child grows. If toothpaste is the sticking point, work on tolerating the brush first. Move at your child’s pace — consistency matters far more than speed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I help a child who hates the toothbrush?

Sensory sensitivity is common. Try a softer brush, a flavour-free or milder toothpaste, letting your child hold the brush first, and brushing for just a few seconds to start — then build up. A predictable, one-step-at-a-time routine reduces the surprise that often drives resistance.

How long should a child brush?

Aim for about two minutes, but start with whatever your child can tolerate and grow it gradually. Counting the sections of the mouth (as in the steps above) makes the time concrete and finite, which many children find calmer than an open-ended ‘keep going’.

Should I brush for them or let them do it?

Both — many families brush together. Let your child do the steps they can, and help with the rest. Over time, hand off more steps as they master them (this is called backward or forward chaining).

Make this routine yours

Tandli lets you record these steps in your own voice, add pictures, and set a reward. Join the waitlist for launch.

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