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! For one, it can help kids who crave a daily routine. Having a regular time-set routine benefits many Autistic individuals. By using a toothbrush designed for Autistic children, it allows for a smoother transition into the next part of their day – especially bedtime. Reduce Plaque and Improve Oral Care

If you prefer them brushing for two minutes, simply press the button again to re-start the flashing light. 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. For cleaning around teeth and along the gumline. The soft outer bristles are angled to gently clean along the gum margin while the inner bristles clean and polish the tooth surface.The lights act as a timer, flashing from one colour to the next to let kids know when to switch to the other row of teeth and when to stop brushing. Have someone act as a good role model and brush their teeth the same time as the individual. They can see what’s happening, what to do and have someone to go through it with together. Kids with SPD may have higher than usual oral sensitivity. They display what’s known as Oral Sensory Defensiveness. Some autistic toothbrushes don’t use bristles at all! Instead, they rely on ultrasound technology to eliminate plaque, bad breath, and cavities. This is a great option for kids who find regular toothbrushing too overwhelming or uncomfortable, or have dexterity issues that stop them using proper technique. What are the Benefits of Using Toothbrushes for Autistic Children?

An autistic toothbrush is specially designed to accommodate for autistic sensory issues by providing softer bristles and a softer brush. It also has a different shape so that your child doesn’t have to hold it as long before they get used to using it.

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. I have used the brushing program personally, and in practice during the past 25 years. It has worked for some, but not all. Personally I found it difficult to keep up with regimen of brushing. Using a vibrating toothbrush does not need to be solely at toothbrushing time. It can be used anytime during the day. Like any toothbrush, good dental care provides many benefits to personal hygiene. In turn, good dental hygiene can ease the pain of sensitive teeth and reduce the chances of tooth decay. 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).

Different toothpasteshave different smells andtaste. It could be this causing the issues, rather than the toothbrush. Look for ones with little or no taste- or ones with a taste that they do like. XT / Medium Firm - this is the middle level, which we call XT ("Xtra Tough"); It's firmer, but still fairly chewy Alternatively, if the sensation is too much, powder toothpaste is another option. Powder toothpaste is great for cleaning oral wounds or sores and gets into hard-to-reach places, making it great for anyone who struggles to brush teeth twice a day. Preefer Tip - This tip attachment is rounded with ridges all along the circumference for when a "rolling" action is desired for a different kind of sensory input. Roll it over the lips, across the tongue, and inside the cheeks.Sensory brushing is more effective over bare skin, however if brushing over clothing pull the clothing tight and eliminate bumps There are some great apps available on tablets. They can help children brushing their teeth and come with a variety of aides/prompts. I’m sure you are wondering why I would go to such lengths to avoid brushing my teeth. This is something my mother asked quite a bit when I was a young child, perhaps every day…perhaps three times a day. For example, if a child has a difficult time tolerating a busy environment like a birthday party or holiday gathering, brushing can be used to ‘prepare’ the child’s nervous system to enter that situation, by aiding regulation. At bedtime, brushing can be used as part of a wind-down routine to signal the brain and body to get ready to sleep. If your child is sensitive to cold water, giving them some warm water to brush with can help. 5. Change the environment

The head also contains way more bristles than in most kids’ toothbrushes. There are around 1,700 bristles, spread out over 34 holes. Before you introduce a normal toothbrush, try one of those baby finger toothbrushes. It will be even easier to transition to a proper toothbrush. 2. Use a soft-bristled or silicon toothbrush The vibrating electric toothbrush, like the manual toothbrushes mentioned above, also comes with three-sided toothbrush heads. These work almost identically to an automatic regular toothbrush in that you hold them over the tooth, rather than brush with more movement. Another perfect place for brushing is in bonding between parent and child. Brushing can be similar to infant massage in principle, as it is done with a trusted caregiver and helps target the proprioceptive system and calm the tactile (touch) system. Brushing should be a desired activity for the child and enjoyed by both participants. Based on the theory of Ayres Sensory Integration, the DPPT, or sensory brushing technique, uses a prescribed method of providing stimulation through pressure touch massage, to help the mind-brain-body self-organize.For sensory seeking children, a vibrating toothbrush is a great way to engage them in toothbrushing! Not only do they get stimulation that they are seeking, they also get a thorough teeth cleaning with the vibration. Available in Adult and Child / Toddler sizes: Children’s Surround® Toothbrush is recommended up to age 5. Negative side effects such as difficulty eating, sleeping, worsening of behavior, digestive issues, moodiness, etc. If these occur, advise spreading out the brushing until the learner’s system accommodates to it