Experts recommend using rewards to encourage them to brush, setting up a routine so they know when they are expected to brush their teeth and using a timer or singing a song to let them know when to stop brushing.

If your kid seems to find the bristles uncomfortable, try using a softer toothbrush that is gentle on their teeth and gums.There are three main types of autistic toothbrushes, each having its own unique properties. So it’s good to look at a few different options to see what works best. These are: 3-Sided Toothbrushes Many autistic children show symptoms of SPD. Some sounds, textures or tastes can easily overload their senses, causing them to scream, cry or act out. The DuPont Tynex bristles are extra-soft, making the toothbrush ideal for kids with sensitive gums. What we like about it: This can calm down any over-active receptors that are misfiring and help bring a child’s level of alertness to a normal (calm) level. When is The Best Time to Use Sensory Brushing? The best thing about these brushes is that they are specifically designed to suit the needs of Autistic people. They are made from soft materials, which means that they won’t hurt your child’s teeth when you use them.

Finally, help your child learn how to use the toothbrush properly. If your child is older, you can use visual supports to aid their brushing. Show them how to hold it and brush each section of their teeth evenly. Taking care of their oral hygiene is an important step in helping them alleviate any future distress caused by poor dental hygiene. Using an Autistic Toothbrush Electric toothbrushes can be great if your child can tolerate the sensation/noise/feel. It means they don’t have to work as hard to clean different areas – the electrictoothbrush will help them do this. You can have them feel the toothbrush by placing it on their arm/face etc. first so they get used to it.Many children may actually enjoy the sensation of the electric toothbrush. Pencil - This attachment turns your Z-Vibe into a vibrating pencil! The vibration of the Z-Vibe is very smooth, so it doesn't create squiggly lines. Instead, it can help increase focus by providing more sensory input and awareness to the hand.

Best Toothbrush for Autistic Child Reviews

The sensory brushing program, when performed correctly, can have some great benefits. If performed incorrectly, there may be negative effects, or be ineffective The U-Shaped Sonic Toothbrush has soft silicone bristles in a U shape that help stimulate the gums and teeth. Vibrating brushes like these are also designed to help children with Autism who have trouble controlling their movements when using manual toothbrushes. The vibrating action of the brush helps with plaque removal on tooth surfaces and prevents gum disease.

If someone does chew through things, it’s possible they may need the toughest XXT level eventually. XXT is super firm, though, so we don't always recommend getting it right off the bat (some people find it uncomfortable chewing on something that firm). Patricia Wilbarger is an occupational therapist and a clinical psychologist who is also known for coining the phrase “ sensory diet.” She is a leading expert in the area of sensory defensiveness (the over-responsiveness of the protective responses of the nervous system). For kids with high oral sensitivity, a soft-bristled brush can help. For those who won’t stay still for more than a few seconds, try a 3-sided toothbrush that cleans teeth in one stroke.If you prefer them brushing for two minutes, simply press the button again to re-start the flashing light. These tips can help to break any negative behaviors or emotions that may surround your child’s tooth brushing routine, and give you a foundation to start a fresh routine. Start by trying one recommendation that you think will work for your child, give it a week and if it’s still not working try another. Working through toothbrushing challenges takes time and is a trial-and-error process. Hopefully you find these tips helpful! Excellent solution for orthodontic patients as the angled bristles can clean under the appliance; the child / toddler size is also great for people of all ages who wear braces as the shorter bristles can get in and around tight places found with some appliances.

Brushing teeth is an ADL that can be a challenge for many kids whether it’s from sensory processing challenges, challenges with routine, anxiety, or any other variety of reasons.If a distraction works for your child, get a toothbrush with lights and music (but make sure they are not sensitive to the light or music). So, we are lookingfor ways that we can all make teeth brushing a more positive experience. We’ve consulted with a range of different families, individualsand professionals. And, we’ve put together different ways that we can make this time a more enjoyable one. And also to make it less stressful for all involved. We have come up with the following tips/ideas; So, the mystery of my tooth-brushing saga was finally solved. Yet, I still hate the feeling of a thin bristly toothbrush, and I can’t walk around with bleeding over-flossed gums. A warm cup of milk, a short yoga sequence, brushing and a bedtime story can prepare all the sensory systems for rest.