For many parents, including myself, raising a child on the autism spectrum comes with a unique set of joys and challenges. Among these challenges, ensuring good oral hygiene can sometimes be particularly difficult.
Some autistic children may resist brushing their teeth, a task that seems simple but can be fraught with anxiety and discomfort for them.
This blog post is written with empathy and understanding, both for the children who face these struggles and the parents who support them. Our goal is to share practical strategies and insights to help make dental care less stressful and more effective for your child.
Understanding the Struggle
Children with autism may experience sensory sensitivities that make brushing teeth an uncomfortable, if not painful, experience. The taste of toothpaste, the feeling of the brush on their gums and teeth, or even the sound of an electric toothbrush can trigger sensory overload.
Additionally, for some neurodivergent kids, the disruption of their daily routine to include teeth brushing can be unsettling.
Although we are sympathetic to the struggle, it’s still very important for all children to brush their teeth to avoid cavities and dental problems down the line, and to get into a good toothbrushing routine to enable them to take care of their own teeth and avoid poor oral hygiene as they grow up.
We can work with our kids to make this daily dental hygiene routine easier, and help them tolerate the sensory input involved in toothbrushing. Sometimes this is a case of trial and error with different products, but don’t give up!
Practical Strategies for Easier Toothbrushing for Autistic Kids
We’ve put together some practical tips to try, to help take care of your child’s teeth when they have autism spectrum disorders, are sensory avoiders or your child struggles with oral sensitivity. Autistic individuals are all different, so for example visual aids or social stories may be a great way for one child but not effective with another, but give it a try as anything to help make these difficult tasks a bit easier for our special needs children is worth the extra time.
Introduce a Visual Schedule
Autistic children often benefit from visual supports that help them understand and anticipate what comes next in their day.
A visual schedule that includes toothbrushing as part of their daily routine can prepare them mentally for the task.
Adding a visual schedule into your child’s daily routine can significantly reduce anxiety around toothbrushing.
The best chore charts for kids can vary from child to child, some will work better with something very simple, others respond really well to incorporating their favorite character and so on. You know your child best when it comes to this.
Simple graphics like the one below breaking down the purpose of brushing teeth in a very simple manner can also be helpful for some autistic children who operate on a more logical level.
Explaining the purpose of brushing teeth with a very simple visual rather than excessive words, can make this information easier to process and absorb.
Consider incorporating engaging visuals or even a step-by-step visual guide specifically for toothbrushing, showing each part of the process from applying toothpaste to rinsing. This not only prepares them for what’s coming but also gives them a sense of control and predictability, which can be very comforting.
Use Sensory-Friendly Dental Products
Electric toothbrushes with softer bristles or manual toothbrushes designed for sensitive mouths can make a big difference. Gel toothpastes or those with milder flavors can also be less overwhelming in terms of taste and smell.
Exploring sensory-friendly dental products can be a game-changer.
For some children, the minty taste of traditional toothpaste is too intense. Look for flavors like vanilla or fruit, or even unflavored options, that might be more acceptable in your child’s mouth. Similarly, toothbrushes with softer bristles or varied textures can provide a more tolerable sensory experience, making the process of cleaning their teeth less overwhelming.
Giving choice surrounding the toothbrushes and paste that your child prefers to use is a small step but can make a huge difference. Do they prefer a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush? Plain toothpaste or minty? Or mild toothpaste for baby teeth that has been formulated specially for young children?
Break Down the Task
Task analysis, or breaking down tooth brushing into smaller, manageable steps, can be very helpful. Demonstrating each step, or using a social story about toothbrushing, can demystify the process and make it less daunting.
By breaking down toothbrushing into smaller steps, you can make each part of the process more manageable for your child.
Start with just holding the toothbrush, then as the next step progress to applying toothpaste, and so on.
Use simple, clear language or pictures to describe each step. This method not only helps them understand what is expected but also builds their confidence as they master each step.
For children who struggles with executive disfunction, a simple task like brushing teeth can actually be very daunting and they may lack the organisational skills to complete this regularly, without support.
Positive Reinforcement
Reward systems, like a token system or verbal praise, can be effective in encouraging positive behavior. Celebrate every small success to build confidence and associate toothbrushing with a positive experience.
Implementing a system of positive reinforcement can motivate your child and make toothbrushing a more rewarding experience.
This could be as simple as a sticker chart where they earn a sticker for each successful toothbrushing, leading to a small reward after a certain number of stickers.
This positive feedback loop reinforces their effort and success, making them more likely to embrace toothbrushing over time.
Seek Professional Advice
Consulting with a pediatric dentist who has experience with autistic children or an occupational therapist skilled in sensory issues can provide tailored advice. They can recommend specific strategies, dental hygiene routines, or even sensory processing disorder accommodations to ease the toothbrushing process.
Don’t hesitate to seek out a pediatric dentist or occupational therapist who specializes in working with autistic children. These professionals can offer personalized advice and strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs and sensitivities. They can also help you create a more effective and less stressful toothbrushing routine, ensuring that your child’s dental health is being managed in the best way possible.
For children who continue to struggle with toothbrushing due to sensory sensitivities or motor skill challenges, professional help from an occupational therapist (OT) can be invaluable. Occupational therapists can provide specialized strategies and tools to address the specific issues your child faces. Parents looking for additional guidance can also explore free autism resources for parents, which offer tips, strategies, and support for managing daily routines and sensory challenges.
They can work on desensitizing sensory discomforts, improving motor skills for effective toothbrushing, and even recommending specific types of toothbrushes or toothpaste. Engaging with an OT can offer a personalized approach that aligns with your child’s unique needs, making dental care a more accessible and less stressful part of their daily routine.
Consider the Environment
Adjusting factors like water temperature or the bathroom’s lighting can make a significant difference. Ensure the environment is as comfortable and non-threatening as possible for your child.
Making the environment as comforting and sensory-friendly as possible can significantly impact your child’s toothbrushing experience.
Pay attention to factors that may not immediately seem related to toothbrushing, such as the bathroom’s lighting, which might be too bright or too dim, or the sound environment, which could be too noisy or too quiet.
Small adjustments, like using a dimmer switch for the lights or playing soft, soothing music, can create a more calming atmosphere that makes toothbrushing less stressful.
Patience and Consistency
It’s important to give your child enough time to get used to new routines or products. Consistency, without pressure, can gradually desensitize their discomfort and build a more positive attitude towards dental care.
Patience and consistency are key in helping your child adapt to and eventually embrace their toothbrushing routine. Understandably, progress may be slow, and there will be good days and bad days. Celebrating the small victories can encourage both you and your child to keep going. Consistently incorporating toothbrushing into your child’s daily routine, even when it doesn’t go perfectly, sends a message that this is a normal part of their day.
Over time, this consistency helps build familiarity and comfort with the process, reducing resistance and making toothbrushing a more accepted part of their daily activities.
Beyond Brushing: Dental Care for Autistic Children
Familiarizing your child with the dental office environment from a young age can help reduce anxiety about dental appointments.
Some pediatric dentists offer “happy visits” with no treatment to build trust, and these regular dental visits can be really helpful.
For children who have a hard time with regular oral care, dental sealants like fissure sealants can provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.
Special Accommodations can always be made where needed. For children with severe sensory sensitivities or oral aversion, sedation dentistry might be necessary for more extensive dental work. If you are looking for a dental expert, consider a dentist in London to care for your child’s teeth.
Always discuss these options with dental and medical professionals who understand your child’s unique needs.
While ensuring good dental hygiene for an autistic child can be challenging, it’s not insurmountable. With empathy, understanding, and the right strategies, you can help your child overcome their dental care challenges.
Remember, every child on the autism spectrum is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s about finding the best approach for your child and adjusting as necessary.
As a parent of a child with autism, you’re already adept at navigating these unique challenges. With patience, creativity, and support, you can help your child maintain good oral health and build dental care into their routine in a way that feels safe and manageable for them.
More Dental Health Resources for Kids
Exploring dental health doesn’t have to be a chore! To make learning about oral hygiene fun and engaging for kids, we’ve gathered a variety of creative resources.
From artistic activities to educational tools, these resources are designed to spark interest and provide valuable information in an enjoyable way.
Here are some delightful dental health resources for kids to enjoy.
- Dental health coloring pages
- Tooth fairy coloring pages
- Egg carton tooth painting
- Fun Free Dentist Pretend Play Printables
- Tooth development chart
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.