Tooth Brushing without Battles

A practical, printable guide for when this daily task becomes a daily meltdown.

Tooth brushing sounds simple — until you’re parenting a child with PDA, ODD, ADHD, or sensory overwhelm. For many families, this routine triggers panic, refusal, shutdowns, or full meltdowns. And the more you push, the harder it gets.

This resource was created for therapists, caregivers, and parents who are trying, and watching it backfire.

Whether you’re supporting a nonverbal child who covers their mouth and runs, or a verbal one who argues every step, this guide walks you through why it’s happening and what gentle steps might actually help.

Inside This Download:

  • Why tooth brushing feels like an invasion to some children — and what’s really going on neurologically

  • Sensory-based strategies that prioritize comfort over compliance

  • Nonverbal adaptations, co-regulation ideas, and visual cue systems

  • Playful, pressure-free ways to build brushing habits over time

  • A fallback list for days when it just doesn’t happen — and why that’s okay

  • Gentle phrases and mindset shifts to help you stay calm (and stop the guilt spiral)

This is one of the most common daily struggles for PDA/ODD/ADHD families. If you’ve tried the charts, timers, rewards, and firm boundaries (and still ended up in tears) this resource will meet you where you are.