Maintaining excellent oral hygiene can be difficult for any child, but it is more difficult for autistic children due to their increased sensitivity.
Navigating the world of sensory sensitivities with your autistic child can feel like a difficult puzzle. This is because the sensitivities might result from different aspects.
The pressure of the brush against their gums, the flavor or texture of the toothpaste, or even its aroma can all cause sensory overload and aversion.
A child with autism may be unable to verbalize pain in their teeth or gums, making things even more difficult for them. The stress and exhaustion resulting from this can worsen behavioral difficulties.
Due to the complexity of the issue, you should approach the issue with plenty of wisdom and empathy. To help you out, here are some of the things you can do to make the teeth cleaning more bearable.
Choose the right teeth-cleaning products.
Finding the correct products for your child’s dental hygiene can significantly improve their everyday routine. It’s important to remember that each child is unique, especially when it comes to sensory preferences.
This implies that what works for one child may not work for another, so a little trial and error is necessary.
Some kids find the mild hum and vibration of electric toothbrushes comforting and appealing, while others cannot take the vibration and prefer the simplicity and control of a manual toothbrush.
While this is the case, when selecting a toothbrush, go for those with soft or silicone bristles. These are kinder on the gums and may be less overwhelming to your child’s sensory system.
It is also important to select the appropriate size. The toothbrush should be comfortable in their hands and mouth.
Toothpaste texture and flavor are equally important to consider. Some children may prefer the smoother texture of traditional pastes to gel toothpaste.
Our family dentist in Boston suggested that we get child-friendly toothpaste.
Another helpful method is to use visual aids, which can provide clear, step-by-step instructions during the tooth brushing process.
These aids range from simple graphic charts to more complex computer tools. They all provide a visual sequence for youngsters to follow, making the abstract concepts of time and sequence more apparent and approachable.
Oral hygiene activities are another effective technique to pique the interest of young children. Games that integrate tooth brushing techniques can make the experience more participatory and less intimidating for your youngster.
Whether it’s a game that awards children for finishing each step of the brushing process or an app that transforms tooth brushing into a mission, these fun techniques can make oral care feel like a more enjoyable part of their daily routine.
Have a teeth-brushing routine.
Establishing a schedule is critical for developing good dental hygiene habits, especially in autistic children who thrive on consistency and structure.
You should ensure that you brush your teeth at the same time all the time. If you play music when brushing, ensure that you play the same music.
Many parents have found success using an incentive system to encourage their children to wash their teeth. However, this method requires considerable attention.
Reward schemes, such as sticker charts, can inspire some children. At the same time, they would indicate that your child is refusing to brush their teeth out of choice, rather than because it is exceedingly difficult.
It is critical to acknowledge and not downplay the real obstacles that your child may face.
Instead of just brushing, incentives should recognize the effort and fortitude required to conquer those obstacles. It is possible to positively encourage everyday oral hygiene routines while minimizing your child’s feelings of discomfort or overwhelm.
This means that you should be smart in how you come up with the token system for rewarding your child.
Parting shot
When autistic children struggle with cleaning their teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene, you must address the situation with empathy and compassion.
You should strive to see the world through their eyes, taking into account any sensory difficulties that may make cleaning their teeth difficult or even frightening.
If your child prefers flavorless toothpaste, you can buy it. Whatever sensory-friendly oral hygiene products you experiment with, the overarching goal is to make teeth brushing a more enjoyable part of their daily routine.
Come up with a bearable teeth-brushing procedure.
Navigating the tooth brushing procedure with autistic children necessitates a cautious approach, while considering desensitization strategies.
Gradual desensitization is where you gradually expose your child to something they are afraid of (for example, brushing their teeth) in order to diminish sensitivity and enhance tolerance over time.
For example, if the texture of the toothpaste is a concern, a gradual desensitization plan could include starting with a small amount of toothpaste. You can then incrementally increase this over time.
While you are at it, aim to create a comfortable brushing environment for your child.
For some youngsters, taking charge and brushing their teeth under your supervision can make a big difference since it offers them a feeling of power.
Others may find the experience more bearable with your mild guidance, particularly if maneuvering the toothbrush about their mouth is difficult.
Experimenting with different ways will help you discover what makes tooth brushing easier for both your child and yourself.
Each tweak, whether it’s the time of day, the type of toothbrush, or the level of involvement, can help to make the experience more enjoyable.
The goal is to ensure that your child’s oral care is consistent and effective while minimizing stress for both of you.
Verbal praise and encouragement can also be highly helpful in praising their efforts and tenacity in dealing with the problems of tooth brushing.
Set the right brushing environment.
Adding a pleasant aspect to tooth brushing can help neurodivergent children cope with overwhelm. For example, integrating tooth brushing music might make the practice more enjoyable and predictable.
Music can be a soothing aural cue, but it can also help with timing, ensuring that children brush for long enough to clean their teeth effectively. The rhythm and repetition of songs can be calming while also providing a structured framework for the exercise.
Another helpful method is to use visual aids, which can provide clear, step-by-step instructions during the tooth brushing process.
These aids range from simple graphic charts to more complex computer tools. They all provide a visual sequence for youngsters to follow, making the abstract concepts of time and sequence more apparent and approachable.
Oral hygiene activities are another effective technique to pique the interest of young children. Games that integrate tooth brushing techniques can make the experience more participatory and less intimidating for your youngster.
Whether it’s a game that awards children for finishing each step of the brushing process or an app that transforms tooth brushing into a mission, these fun techniques can make oral care feel like a more enjoyable part of their daily routine.
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