Overcoming Toothbrushing Struggles In Kids With Autism
Getting kids to brush their teeth can be equally challenging as climbing a mountain, which is especially true for parents of children on the autistic spectrum.
While most parents face difficulty in getting their kids to brush because the child always prefers doing so other activities rather than brushing their teeth, for a child with ASD issues such as sensory problems, anxiety come into play.
So, the question is, how do you help your child overcome these problems and help them brush their teeth?
The best way to help your child is by consulting a Pediatric dentist. They can provide you with a combination of established strategies, including oral motor desensitization, structured choices, visual supports, etc. Apart from that, you can also utilize the following tips.
Provide Oral Motor Activities:
Providing your child with oral motor activities that your child might enjoy, such as blowing bubbles before brushing, can help with sensitivity issues. You can also work on the sensitivity issue by engaging your child in oral motor exercises.
Give Then Choices:
Have a variety of toothpaste and toothbrushes to choose from. Allow your child to choose as a choice between two items may be less overwhelming for some children.
Make A Schedule:
Use a schedule to help your child see the routine's beginning and end. At the end of the schedule, including an activity or item the child enjoys as a reinforcer for brushing.
Take It Slow:
Allow your child to get comfortable with brushing. Do not rush. Allowing him to start with just water, then move on to using a toothpaste. You can also start by bruising just once and then slowing twice daily.
Use A Song:
Explore using a rhyme or song during brushing. One example is Top to the left, the top to the right, and the top to the front, so it shines like a light. Bottom left, bottom right, bottom front what a beautiful sight.
You can play the child’s favorite songs during tooth brushing. You may even have a video playing during tooth brushing. Having these items available only at “tooth brushing” time is a good idea.
Praise The Positives:
When finished, have a reinforcing activity. Pair this with enthusiastic verbal praise.
It is essential to remove the negative emotions that your child might have with brushing and replace them with happy ones. Do not rush, and trust the process. Try implementing one tip at a time and talk to your child's pediatric dentist. Hope these tips will help. To talk to our pediatric dentist, book an appointment.