Sensory Strategies for Teeth Brushing

Use calming strategies to prepare for teeth brushing

Touch, sound, light, balance, and movement can all influence how your child reacts to hair/teeth brushing

Use of pressure touch (more calming) rather than light touch (more alerting)

Minimize sensory input where possible i.e. minimize strong smells/tastes etc.

Closely observe your child’s behaviours during teeth brushing. If they can do the task independently, watch what they do (ie. what kind of touch do they use, etc) and note what upsets them

Remember (with teeth brushing): warm water is relaxing, cold water is alerting – may need to use luke warm water

provide vibration by using an electric toothbrush (less annoying if your child is tactile/oral defensive)

try wiping teeth with a face cloth to allow child to get used to the feeling/concept

wipe face with warm cloth if tolerated, applying pressure

use mild tasting toothpaste

allow the child to chew on functional, age-appropriate food/objects (helps with oral seeking behaviours) – i.e. cup with straw, crunchy/chewy food, gum, licorice, etc.

oral activities: whistles, harmonica, blowing bubbles, drinking through straw

try massaging the jaw and head, applying pressure

Brilliant Baby Toothbrush or Child Toothbursh by Baby Buddy

• Round brush head, with bristles 360 degree around head to reduces time to brush.

Collis Curve Triplefit Baby Toothbrush or Soft 3 Sided Toothbrush

• 3 Sided Toothbrush brush with curved outer bristles brush all the exposed surface of the teeth, reducing time brushing, improving clean, and soft bristles reduce sensory discomfort.

Micro-Nano manual Toothbrush

• Very soft bristles to reduce sensory discomfort

U Shaped Toothbrush for toddlers/kids, Manual Whole Mouth Toddler Toothbrush

• This is like a mouth guard that does the top and bottom all at once and simply moved back and forth. It uses silicone bristles on top and bottom.

U Shaped Electric Toothbrush for kids- Ultrasonic

• No turning or brushing by parents needed! Child can place in their mouth and the ultrasonic vibrations and silicone bristles clean the teeth! This can provide a lot of sensory input, which some children may enjoy!