Our toddler toothbrushing routine card
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Free resource. Print this page or copy the prompts into your own notebook or document. The spaces below are for your own notes, not an online form.
Use this to organise the routine around dental advice, not to replace that advice. An adult still needs to help clean your toddler’s teeth.
Our brushing times
- Before bed, linked to this familiar step: ____________________
- Other daily brushing time: ____________________
- Adult who will help: ____________________
Check the NHS toothbrushing guidance for toothpaste amounts and technique. Ask your dentist if anything is unclear.
Where does it become difficult?
- Stopping play / moving rooms / taste / sensation / position / another part: ____________________
- What I noticed without guessing why: ____________________
Example: “They come to the bathroom happily but pull away when the brush touches the back teeth.” Bring an observation like this to the dentist if the problem continues.
One change to try
- Our short cue before brushing: ____________________
- A choice we can offer: ____________________
- A familiar song or playful idea: ____________________
- Words for the adult’s turn: ____________________
Example: “You chose the duck song. Now I will help with the back teeth.”
Questions for our dentist
- Could pain or sensitivity be contributing? ____________________
- Is this brush and toothpaste suitable? ____________________
- What position or adaptation could help? ____________________
After a few days
- Something that made the routine easier: ____________________
- Something still causing distress: ____________________
- Our next step or advice appointment: ____________________
If brushing is very distressing, pause and seek a supported approach. Do not turn the sheet into a scorecard or force a toothbrush into your child’s mouth.
For ideas to use alongside this resource, read Toddler toothbrushing: making a necessary job more manageable.
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