How can I share “Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste” as a comfortable routine?

By Down Syndrome Digital ·

Suggested age: 17–22 months

About this activity

Activity: Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste — a short, child-led play idea for children with Down syndrome aged 17–22 months. Follow your child’s cues and enjoy the activity at their pace.

The illustrations come from the source activity. The written steps have been adapted for safer, child-led play; do not copy equipment or handling positions shown unless they are specifically recommended for your child.

What can this activity invite?

Share sounds, faces, or familiar textures without asking your child to make a particular movement.

What do I need for this activity?

A comfortable, stable place to play and the familiar items named in the steps. Choose materials made for your child’s age and ability; keep small parts, loose strings, plastic bags, and balloons away from babies and young children.

How do I play this activity?

1. Use your child’s familiar routine

Illustration for “Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste”, step 1: For this activity, you’ll need: - а small synthetic toothbrush (head no larger than 1.5 cm) with a comfy handle (about 10 cm) that has rubber or silicone grips.

Follow the dental-care guidance you already use and choose a child-sized, age-appropriate toothbrush.

2. Show the brush first

Illustration for “Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste”, step 2: Offer them the cup of water: “Wet your toothbrush.”

You can demonstrate on a doll or let your child look at the toothbrush. Do not put a toy or another person’s brush in your child’s mouth.

3. Offer a choice

Illustration for “Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste”, step 3: Say: “Now show me how you brush your teeth.” Help them grip the brush, hug them from behind, and move the brush together: “Brush-brush!” Take the brush from them and put it away: “{

Invite your child to hold or look at their own toothbrush. Never force brushing or move their jaw, lips, or head.

4. Keep the routine comfortable

Illustration for “Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste”, step 4: Say: “We’ll rinse your mouth now.” Take the cup of water and show them: “Mommy rinses and then spits.” Give the child a bit of water: “Rinse and spit.” Talk about what they do, prai

Use toothpaste only as recommended for your child and stop if they are uncomfortable or turn away.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need to finish every step?

No. Follow your child’s interest and stop whenever they need a break. There is no correct pace or required outcome.

What if my child is not interested today?

That is okay. Pause, try another activity, or return another day. Looking away or turning away is a cue to give your child space.

How long should we play?

There is no set duration. A short, comfortable moment is enough; stop if your child seems tired, distressed, or uncomfortable.

Is this therapy or a developmental assessment?

No. This is a play invitation, not therapy, a milestone target, or an assessment. It does not replace advice from your child’s clinicians.

Can I adapt this activity for my child?

Yes. Keep it comfortable and child-led. For questions about feeding, oral-motor skills, bath safety, positioning, or movement, use guidance from your child’s own care team.