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Toothbrushing Task Analysis Task analysis Toothbrushing Task Analysis ============================= A printable toothbrushing task analysis that breaks brushing into mouth sections, with prompt-level tracking columns for each teaching session. 5 min read Updated September 30, 2026 For BCBA RBT Parent Print / Save as PDF Print the sheet only When to use it -------------- Use this task analysis to teach independent toothbrushing as part of the learner’s morning and bedtime routines. The steps break brushing into sections of the mouth, which makes it easier to teach and to see which parts the learner skips. Common dental guidance recommends brushing twice a day for about two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste depends on age: a smear about the size of a grain of rice for very young children, and a pea-sized amount for many older children. Whether to rinse after spitting also varies. **Follow the family’s dentist or pediatrician on toothpaste amount and rinsing**, and edit the steps to match. Many young children need an adult to help with or check their brushing even after they can do the steps themselves. Independence in the routine is the goal. Check with the family about how much adult help is expected for the learner’s age. How to fill it in ----------------- 1. **Adjust the step list** to the learner’s routine, toothbrush (manual or electric), toothpaste, and sink. For an electric toothbrush, swap the section steps for “hold on each section until the brush signals.” 2. **Run a baseline probe** and note whether you used a single-opportunity or multiple-opportunity probe. 3. **Pick a chaining method.** Total-task chaining is common. Some learners do well with backward chaining, where they finish by putting the brush away. 4. **Teach during the real routine** at home when you can, or practice at a clinic sink with the learner’s own brush. 5. **For each session, write the date** at the top of a column and record the prompt level for each step. 6. **Total the column** and calculate the percentage of steps done independently. Sensory note: many learners find toothbrushing uncomfortable, including the taste of the toothpaste, the feel of the bristles, or gagging when brushing the back teeth. If toothbrushing leads to strong distress, the supervising BCBA may plan a gradual tolerance program before teaching the full chain. Concerns about gagging, swallowing, or oral sensitivity should be referred to the learner’s dentist, and to an occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist as appropriate. Common mistakes: - Letting the learner brush only the front teeth. The section steps make skipped areas visible in the data. - Letting “brush your teeth” be a single step. It is too big to teach. - Using more toothpaste than the family’s dentist recommends. The sheet --------- Type on the sheet, then print it. Click any line or box to fill it in. What you type stays in this browser tab. It is never sent or saved. Clear what I typed Print the sheet Toothbrushing Task Analysis ![StreamABA](https://streamaba.com/build/assets/logo-light-CHa2KuSW.svg) https://streamaba.com/resources/task-analyses/toothbrushing Client:Instructor:Setting: Chaining method:Prompt strategy:Mastery criterion: Step #StepDate: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: Date: 1Get toothbrush and toothpaste2Wet the toothbrush bristles (if part of the family’s routine)3Open the toothpaste4Squeeze the recommended amount onto the bristles5Close the toothpaste6Brush the outside of the top teeth (back, front, other side)7Brush the outside of the bottom teeth (back, front, other side)8Brush the inside of the top teeth9Brush the inside of the bottom teeth10Brush the chewing surfaces of the top teeth11Brush the chewing surfaces of the bottom teeth12Brush the tongue gently (if part of the family’s routine)13Spit into the sink14Rinse the toothbrush15Put the toothbrush and toothpaste awaySteps independentSteps taught / probed% independentInitials Prompt-level key (adjust to match the learner’s program): CodeMeaningFPFull physical: hand-over-hand guidance through the stepPPPartial physical: light touch or brief guidanceMModel: adult demonstrates the stepGGestural: pointing or motioning toward the next stepVVerbal: spoken cue for the stepIIndependent: completed correctly with no prompt-Incorrect or no responseNTNot taught or not probed this session Summarizing the data -------------------- **Percent independent** = steps scored I divided by steps taught or probed, times 100. Worked example: the family’s routine skips steps 2 and 12, so they are scored NT, leaving 13 steps taught. The learner completes steps 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, and 15 independently. They need a gesture on step 4 (amount of toothpaste), and a model on steps 8 through 11 (inside and chewing surfaces). - 8 / 13 x 100 = 62% independent The pattern is common: learners often brush the outside surfaces they can see in the mirror but skip the inside and chewing surfaces. Teaching can focus on steps 8 through 11. Tips ---- - A two-minute visual timer or a song helps the learner learn how long to brush and gives them a clear end point. - A mirror at the learner’s height lets them see where they are brushing, and gives you a way to prompt with a gesture instead of your hands. - Offer choices where you can, such as toothbrush color or toothpaste flavor (within what the dentist recommends). Choices can make the routine more acceptable and support assent. - Take a picture sequence of the learner’s own sink and supplies to use as a visual support. - Once mastered, check that the routine happens both morning and night, and in other places, such as overnight visits. ![StreamABA](https://streamaba.com/build/assets/logo-light-CHa2KuSW.svg) Free from StreamABA · https://streamaba.com/resources/task-analyses/toothbrushing More task analyses --------------------- [ Browse all free resources ](https://streamaba.com/resources) - [ Task analysis ### Handwashing Task Analysis A printable step-by-step handwashing task analysis with prompt-level tracking columns, ready to teach with forward, backward, or total-task chaining. 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