Spitting Toothpaste Visual Schedule
Spitting out toothpaste is its own skill, separate from brushing itself — and it's a common sticking point even once brushing is going well. This free visual schedule breaks spitting into 7 clear steps, with teaching tips and troubleshooting for the three most common struggles.
At a Glance
- What it is: A free, 7-step printable visual schedule for teaching your child to spit toothpaste into the sink.
- Who it's for: Children who brush but swallow toothpaste, or haven't yet learned how to spit on cue.
- What you get: A full-resolution PDF chart with teaching tips and troubleshooting, emailed instantly.
- How to use it: Stick it up by the bathroom mirror, right alongside your Toothbrushing Visual Schedule.
Preview of the printable chart — download the full-resolution, watermark-free PDF below.
What's in this guide
- Why a visual schedule helps
- What you'll get in the free PDF
- How to use it
- What If My Child Swallows Toothpaste or Won't Spit?
- Frequently asked questions
Why a Visual Schedule Helps
Spitting requires coordinating the mouth in a very specific new way, and it's easy for a child who has mastered brushing to still swallow toothpaste simply because no one taught spitting as its own separate step. Breaking it out into its own 7-step sequence, modeled slowly in front of a mirror, gives your child a concrete target to imitate rather than a vague instruction to “spit it out.”
What You'll Get in the Free PDF
A single-page, 7-step visual task analysis:
- Brush teeth
- Stop brushing
- Open mouth over sink
- Push toothpaste/saliva out
- Watch it go into sink
- Wipe mouth if needed
- Rinse or take a small drink of water
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How to Use It
Model the exaggerated “spit!” motion yourself first, ideally in front of a mirror so your child can watch both of you. Keep instructions short — “open mouth,” “spit,” “good spitting!” — and praise immediately with specific words (“you got it in the sink!”), a sticker, or a small token. If toothpaste itself is the barrier, start practicing the spit motion with plain water instead.
What If My Child Swallows Toothpaste or Won't Spit?
If your child swallows toothpaste: start with a very tiny, rice-grain amount so swallowing it isn't a concern while the spitting skill is still developing. If they don't know how to spit at all: practice the spitting motion separately during bath time or sink play, with just water, before reintroducing toothpaste. If they avoid the taste: try a mild or unflavored toothpaste rather than a strong mint flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this different from a toothbrushing chart?
Yes — spitting is a distinct motor and communication skill from brushing itself, which is why we built it as its own chart rather than folding it into the toothbrushing routine.
What if my child keeps swallowing toothpaste even with a tiny amount?
Keep practicing the spit motion with plain water during bath time, separately from brushing, until the motion itself feels automatic — then reintroduce a tiny amount of toothpaste.
Do I need any special toothpaste for this?
No special product is required, though a mild or unflavored toothpaste can help if taste is the reason your child avoids spitting.