Tips For Brushing Teeth With Sensory Processing Issues!

Does your toddler refuse to brush their teeth? Do they gag, cry,  throw a tantrum or have other physical reactions to tooth brushing? My child went through a couple different phases of tooth brushing.  Basically from cooperation to an all-out resistance!  There can be many different factors and reasons for a child’s avoidance of tooth brushing.  Determine if there is a possibility of  the issues are Sensory Processing related or if it is just more of a behavioral phase.  Is it an independence “I want to do it!” or are there sensory processing issues? There very well may be some hypo- or hyper-sensitivity and oral defensiveness going on. Read below for my Tips For Brushing Teeth With Sensory Processing Issues!

My daughter has gone through a few different stages of sensory processing issues (hair brushing, refusal of pants/shorts, socks with seems, etc.). So when she started to freak out during the time to brush her teeth, I quickly researched sensory processing problems with brushing teeth.

Tips For Brushing Teeth With Sensory Processing Issues:

• Sometimes it’s the taste of the toothpaste. Try changing the brand, use less toothpaste, or start without using any toothpaste. Some kids don’t like the taste of peppermint and can perceive it to be a painful, burning sensation. Try different flavors of toothpaste, such as bubblegum, strawberry, orange, etc.
• It may be a hypo- or hyper-sensitivity issue. Try more than one strategy until you find what works.
• Some children may find the sensation of the bristles uncomfortable. Try using a brush with extremely soft bristles or silicone bristles.
• The Banana brush is a baby training toothbrush that has short bristles made of silicone that can help to desensitize.
• While reading the book The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder (great read b.t.w.) it discussed trying an electric vibrating toothbrush.  An electric vibrating toothbrush can make tooth brushing not just “fun” but sometimes they need to have deeper touch and feeling the vibrations creates a tolerable and enjoyable experience.  This has been a game changer!! First time I introduced a vibrating toothbrush to my daughter she loved it. Literally brushed her teeth 4 times that first day!

• If a toothbrush is not at all accepted, you may need to start by helping him/ her wipe their teeth clean using a damp washcloth.
• Consider the temperature of the water. Have you always brushed your teeth with cold water?  If so, try adjusting the temperature and try warm water.  Your child may be sensitive to the cold water and tolerate a warmer temperature better.
• Brush in front of the mirror. This might help your child feel more in control. Visually being able to see the tooth brushing process can help, as opposed to facing them and they cannot see what’s going on.  My daughter does much better facing the mirror.

I hope you find some of these strategies or tips helpful for those children that have sensory processing issues and difficulty brushing their teeth.  If you enjoyed this post, check out some of my sensory activity posts, try my Ice Sensory or Fluffy Slime!

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