Oral hygiene for kids with oral sensitivities
Oral hygiene is important to keep our mouth clean, making our teeth and gums healthy. However, this can be very tricky for people with oral sensitivities.
A person with oral hypersensitivity responds quickly to seemingly typical input in the mouth.
It may present in the following ways:
- Uncomfortable in trying new flavors of food
- May stick to the same food choices
- Refuse or struggle to brush his/her teeth
- Dislikes being touched on the face
- Has the need to immediately wipe the food off his/her mouth
You can support you child to brush their teeth by:
- Predictability through routine.
Surprises and changes can be alarming and disorganizing; thus, providing a routine for your child to have an idea of what is going to happen, prepares him or her emotionally and mentally.
- Provide opportunities for heavy input.
Activities such as blowing bubbles, chewing gum or other eating crunchy food etc.
Deep tactile input can also be provided through playing games such as tug of war (holding each other’s hands or a stretchy cloth instead of a rope).
- Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
Allow your child to choose his/her own brush, this gives them the opportunity to decide what kind of brush is safe for them to put inside their mouth.
- Use toothpaste with a gentle flavour.
When buying toothpaste consider the flavour your child enjoys. At times the mint flavour toothpaste can be overwhelming.
- Brush your teeth together!
Do this in front of the mirror. Provide a foot stool where your child can see himself/herself in the mirror, this will provide added visual feedback while performing the action. Making it fun lessens the pressure of the whole process.
A person with oral hyposensitivity may not be aware of or may need added stimulation in the mouth.
It may present in the following ways:
- Placing inedible objects in the mouth.
- May take longer to finish eating meals.
- Food pocketing.
- Prefers strong flavors of food e.g. spicy flavor.
- Doesn’t seem to notice when face is dirty.
You can support in promoting oral hygiene through brushing teeth by:
- Engaging in alerting activities before brushing teeth such as blowing water bubbles in a basin or making funny faces in front of the mirror
- Massaging the face
- Use an electric brush for kids
- Use a strong flavour of toothpaste that is safe for kids, in case they accidentally swallow the paste
- Use cold water to rinse the mouth
Brushing teeth should not be a struggle!
Keep in mind that the misbehaviour your child is showing is a sign that they needed help. Their reactions are based on how they process the experience and not because they are seeking attention or trying to make things hard for you.
If you’ve noticed that your child is challenged by this process, consult an Occupational therapist.