Strategies to help children cope with the sensory challenges of toothbrushing
NHS England has put together the attached poster which focuses on strategies for helping children cope with the sensory challenges of toothbrushing!
Does your child? - Refuse to allow a toothbrush into his/her mouth?
-Gag or show other physical reactions to toothbrushing?
Here are some tips provided by NHS England to help make toothbrushing a fun and tolerable experience
Visual tips
- Try a toothbrush that lights up or one which is a different colour
- Use a sand timer
- Toothbrushing chart to help keep track of daily brushing, and use reward stickers
Tactile tips - Desensitise your child: use a cloth and encourage them to bite down whilst you gently tug on it
-If a toothbrush isn't tolerated, consider a damp cloth to wipe the teeth clean
-Try toothbrushes of different sizes, handles, bristle firmness and shapes
Smell/taste tips
-Try an unflavoured brand of toothpaste
-Try a sodium lauryl sulphate-free toothpaste for those who have difficulty swallowing
-Consider a small quantity of toothpaste or start without using any at all
Auditory tips -Sing a familiar, short song, whilst toothbrushing
-Consider using an app which plays music, for example Brush DJ
-Try a toothbrush that sings
Practical strategies
-Ensure it is a comfortable environment
-Make tooth brushing a game - attack of the bugs! -Keep it fun
If your child struggles with toothbrushing regarding sensory challenges, please review these top tips! Refusing to open mouth -Approach slowly -Allow to explore the texture of bristles of the toothbrush with fingers -Prompt by gently touching lips with a toothbrush or some toothpaste
Turns away when approaching for toothbrushing
-Reposition yourself to the direction which they are turning -Use your finger to stroke their cheek towards the direction of the mouth Biting the toothbrush -Use two toothbrushes - one for biting, one for brushing -Use a foam mouth prop to help keep the mouth open Unable to spit -Dampen the toothbrush in mouthwash or use a smear of non-foaming toothpaste
-Ensure the child is sat up
- Use gauze to remove excess fluid or use a suction toothbrush
Not letting go of the toothbrush
-Hand-on-hand technique to guide them into the right place
-Gently stroke their forearm to distract
Looking distressed
-Stop
-Reevaluate the technique
-Consider help from another person
- Re-attempt at a different time
- If it happens repeatedly, please seek assistance from the oral healthcare team - they are here to help!
Downloadable Resources
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