For children who find brushing teeth hard
Toothbrushing can feel scratchy, foamy, too much - or simply not okay yet.
A tight mouth. Toothpaste that feels funny. A brush that sounds far too loud inside your head. For many autistic and ADHD children, toothbrushing is a genuine sensory event, not stubbornness.
Join Snap the little crocodile and his mum in a warm, sensory-supportive story about going slowly, pausing when it is too much, and trying again tomorrow.
£13.99
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Loved by real parents & grandparents
5-star Amazon reader reviews
“Lovely book worth its weight in gold x”
“I got this for my niece. I wished something like this was around to explain feelings when my son was little... these are amazing.”
“So relatable for my grandchildren x”
Does toothbrushing end in tears most nights?
- Your child clamps their mouth shut, gags or pulls away as soon as the brush appears.
- The texture of toothpaste, the foam or the buzzing sound feels unbearable to them.
- You are stuck between dental health and not forcing a child who is genuinely overwhelmed.
A gentler way to approach toothbrushing
Snap's mouth feels tight and the toothpaste feels funny - and that is allowed to be true.
Instead of rushing, Mum helps him go slowly using a First-Then plan, a pause signal, a gentle choice and a little help when it is needed.
The story gives children a character who feels what they feel, and gives grown-ups calm language for a routine that has to happen twice a day.
How this story may help
Names the sensory part
Puts words to scratchy bristles, foamy paste and a tight mouth so children feel understood rather than difficult.
Gives a way to pause
Introduces a pause signal so children can ask for a break instead of panicking or fighting.
Makes the routine predictable
Uses First-Then and a visual timer so your child knows exactly how long it will last.
Removes the shame
Reminds children that big feelings are okay, help is okay, and tomorrow is another chance.
Four gentle tools inside the story
- 1
First-Then
First we brush, then the thing your child is looking forward to.
- 2
Pause signal
An agreed hand signal that means 'stop for a second' - always honoured.
- 3
Brush together
Hand-over-hand or taking turns, so your child keeps some control.
- 4
Visual timer
A sand timer shows how long is left, so the end is never a surprise.
The story introduces these ideas gently through Snap and his mum. It is a shared language to practise together, not a promise that every brush will be easy.
Meet Snap
Snap is a little crocodile with lots of teeth and a mouth that does not always want brushing. Some nights it feels scratchy. Some nights it feels far too much.
Toothbrushing Time is a comforting picture book for children who struggle with oral sensory sensitivity, gagging, textures, noise or hurried routines - especially autistic and ADHD children.
It is a kind, practical read-aloud for parents, carers, dentists and SEND settings.
£13.99
Buy the Book on AmazonBig feelings are okay. Help is okay. Tomorrow is another chance.
A warm, sensory-supportive story for families where brushing teeth is one of the hardest two minutes of the day.
Big Feelings Are OK: Toothbrushing Time
A gentle sensory story for autistic and ADHD children who find brushing teeth hard.
by Nicola Ahern
£13.99
Buy the Book on Amazon