Adding a visual picture schedule can help reduce stress and anxiety during teeth brushing by providing clear expectations of what’s going to come next. It also helps to reduce the auditory input for following directions, helping your learner focus on the task at hand. The Wilbarger Protocol is designed to be used in conjunction with an individualized sensory “diet” based on the specific needs of the child and carried out under the guidance of someone familiar with the protocol and trained in sensory integration theory and practice.

Using tools like a sensory brush or sensory diet tools can help depending on specific needs of the individual. Related hygiene tasks:

Best Toothbrush for Autistic Child Reviews

Individuals with autism are more likely to behypersensitive. They will feel things differently to those of your typical non-autistic child. This can include the sensation of having their teeth brushed. Bite Tube Tip - These tips are similar to the Bite-n-Chew Tip, but with a hollow center so that you can put puréed foods (applesauce, yogurt, etc.) inside the tip for functional biting & chewing practice. Once you bite down on the tip, you get 'rewarded' with a taste of food. I cannot tolerate that mossy plaque feeling you wake up with on your teeth in the morning. Regardless, it has taken me most of my early adult life to force myself to consistently brush my teeth. The toothbrush uses a light-timer to make sure kids brush for the recommended two minutes. The bright flashing light will activate when you press the button and switch off automatically after two minutes. Spoon Tip - Great for feeding therapy and mealtimes, these attachments turn the Z-Vibe into a vibrating spoon! The smooth, gentle vibration can help "wake up" the mouth and decrease aversions. The textured version has bumps on the bottom of the spoon bowl to help stimulate the tongue and lower lip, and to help encourage the transition from puréed to more solid foods. The hard Spoon Tip is rigid, like a regular spoon. The soft Spoon Tip is flexible (still firm enough to hold food, but flexible enough to be gentle on the teeth if someone bites down on the spoon.

We have been chatting to many families and professionals about the experiences they have with brushing teeth. As well as individuals diagnosed with autism. There is a huge amount of people who find brushing teeth a negative experience. No matter how much we want to make brushing teeth a positive experience. Many of our parents stated they have even restrained their children to brush their teeth before. They stated that this because they worried so much over health and dental issues later on. Parents worry so much about their children, its human nature.For those who are sensitive to touch, using a specialized hairbrush for autism may provide a more comfortable experience for both parent and child. The concept of hair brushing should be approached by someone with an understanding of the individual’s limitations and how they feel about sensations associated with hair brushing, as autism can make common experiences uncomfortable. With time and practice, hair brushing can become a pleasant experience for everyone involved. LEARN MORE HERE More Life-Simplifying Tools Alternatively, if the sensation is too much, powder toothpaste is another option. Powder toothpaste is great for cleaning oral wounds or sores and gets into hard-to-reach places, making it great for anyone who struggles to brush teeth twice a day. A sensory brush, or therapy brush, is used as part of the Wilbarger brushing protocol, something that an occupational therapist, trained in sensory integration techniques, may prescribe as part of a home sensory program for your child.

These toothbrushes have a different design from normal ones. For one, the bristles are much thinner measuring just 0.018mm across the tip. Brush Tips - The soft version has gentle bristles for gum massage; the hard version has firmer bristles closer to that of a traditional toothbrush. These can be used to help get orally sensitive individuals more comfortable with oral care, so that they can eventually use regular toothbrushes, be more comfortable going to the dentist, etc. Have someone act as a good role model and brush their teeth the same time as the individual. They can see what’s happening, what to do and have someone to go through it with together. The sensory brushing program, when performed correctly, can have some great benefits. If performed incorrectly, there may be negative effects, or be ineffective Bonus Tip! Offering choices during an challenging activity such as brushing teeth, gives your child some sense of control of the situation. Tip # 7: Mouthwash that Shows the PlaqueDifferent toothpasteshave different smells andtaste. It could be this causing the issues, rather than the toothbrush. Look for ones with little or no taste- or ones with a taste that they do like. The DuPont Tynex bristles are extra-soft, making the toothbrush ideal for kids with sensitive gums. What we like about it: Chubby” handle on Children’s model facilitates grip, long handle in Adult model keeps carers fingers away from mouth.