Brushing My Teeth: A Free Social Story
For children ages 3-7 · Free to read, print, and personalize
Tooth brushing is a twice-daily flashpoint in many homes, especially for children with oral sensory sensitivities. This story breaks the routine into small, predictable steps and normalizes the tickly feelings that put kids off. Pair it with a visual chart by the sink and a two-minute timer or song.
Brushing My Teeth
I brush my teeth in the morning and before bed.
Brushing keeps my teeth clean and my breath fresh.
Tiny bits of food can stick to my teeth. Brushing sweeps them away.
First, I put a small dab of toothpaste on my toothbrush.
The toothpaste might taste minty or fruity.
I brush the front teeth, the back teeth, and the chewing parts.
I brush gently in little circles.
A timer or a song can help me brush long enough.
The brush might feel tickly on my gums. Soft, slow strokes can help.
When I finish, I spit into the sink.
Then I rinse my toothbrush and put it away.
My teeth feel smooth when I slide my tongue across them.
Brushing my teeth is one way I take care of my body.
Tips for Reading This Story Together
- Let your child choose the brush and paste; flavor and bristle softness are make-or-break for sensory-sensitive kids.
- Use the same two-minute song every time so the end point is predictable and non-negotiable feels less personal.
- Try brushing side by side at the mirror so your child can copy your movements section by section.
- If gagging or taste is the issue, start with a non-foaming or unflavored toothpaste and build up slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child refuses to brush. Should I force it?
Physically forcing a brush usually deepens the resistance, especially for sensory kids. Shrink the demand instead: one section tonight, two tomorrow, with the story framing each step as normal and doable. Consistency at the same times each day matters more than perfection early on.
How long should a child brush, and do they need help?
Dentists recommend two minutes twice a day, and most children need an adult to finish the job until around age 7 or 8. A your-turn-my-turn routine keeps independence growing while teeth actually get clean. A sand timer or song makes the two minutes concrete.
How can I make brushing feel like my child's own routine?
Personalization builds ownership: the free builder can put your child's name right into this story so they are the kid doing the brushing. Add a sticker chart for the first few weeks and let them mark each success. Reread the story whenever the routine starts slipping.
Make This Story About Your Child
Add your child's name, family members, and favorite things — our free builder creates an illustrated, printable version of this story that is truly theirs. The story world and learning goals are already set up for you. Built by the nonprofit Opportunity Hack, always free.
Create Your Free Story