Strategies to help children cope with the sensory challenges of toothbrushing
- Jan 16, 2024
- 2 min read
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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