4Real Forums: Brushing teeth.

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

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Topic: Brushing teeth.

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At_His_Feet
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Posted: June 12 2009 at 4:43pm \| IP Logged

Our almost 5 year old (PDD-NOS) won't let him brush his teeth, mainly becasue of sensory issues. I'm ashamed to admit that we've let brushing slide and now he has a large cavity.

We are booked into a special needs dentist, but I doubt he's a miracle worker! We only just convinced him to open his mouth for the Dr. to take a 2 second look at his throat!

So we are madly working on brushing his teeth. Any tips? I've managed to get him to put the brush on his teeth for 2 seconds, but that's it.

Thanks,
Tricia.

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Tricia
Mum to 3 boys 17, 15, and 10.
Do whatever He tells you

mom2mpr
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Posted: June 12 2009 at 5:44pm \| IP Logged

I don't have sensory issues with my dd(that I am aware of) but this has helped tremendously.
--Making sure we do it each morning and each night without fail.
Even if it is quick and the best you can do is 2 teeth. It is a start. And we don't go out or do anything until they are done.
Now, we are good. But if we miss...it is like going back to square one. And that is baaad.
She also had cavities and some we let go, the 2 front top teeth which should fall out soon. She got her bigger one filled a few months ago when she had her sealants put on her 6 year molars. The pedi dentist was great with her. The hygenist mentioned to let Dr. handle talking to her. Instead of listening,I decided to prep her. I think that might have been a mistake. She was terrified to go. But did great in the end. The doc was great. I wish I hadn't imposed all that stress on her.
Anyhow, good luck with your challenge.
Anne

Willa
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Posted: June 12 2009 at 6:08pm \| IP Logged

Would it work to distract him while brushing? I used to sing the alphabet song to my dev del son with sensory issues, or a counting song, because he loves letters and numbers. This kept his mind off the invasion. It also gave him a sense of how long the ordeal is going to last.

Another possibility is to give him a spare toothbrush to chew on during the day to acclimate him to the sensation. This was something his OTs started him on when he was very young. He had a G Tube because of his sensory aversion and for a long time gagged when anything came near his mouth but getting a chance to control the stimulus himself helped him overcome the defensiveness. He got to where he actually liked the toothbrush and asked for it when he was upset. If there's a taste he likes you could put that on the toothbrush, maybe?

Also perhaps try a milder flavor of toothpaste if you think he's bothered by the taste.

Just a few ideas.

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AMDG
Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
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mom3aut1not
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Posted: June 12 2009 at 9:04pm \| IP Logged

Tricia,

My parents had the same problem with my lfa brother. I think they just tried as best they could after he had two abscesses (one complete) and about five cavities. (The dentist worked on him while he was under a general anaesthesia when all that was worked on after five years with no brushing and no dental care.) After that, the key was finding a very, very calm dentist and doing the best they could. (Clipping his toenails was another big issue.)

So, with my ASD children, I just made them do it. If necessary, I pinned them when they were little; they learned that I *would* do it. My son still resists brushing by using his tongue to force my hand over. I just do what I can. With my daughters, they were able to start brushing their teeth at about ten years old, and they have only had one cavity between them in the last eighteen years. (My ASD dds are 21 and 24. My ASD son is only 9 yo.)

I think Willa has some good ideas too. Have you talked to an OT?

In Christ,

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Deborah

hsmom
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Posted: June 22 2009 at 9:52am \| IP Logged

I let my dd brush my teeth while I brushed hers. She thought it was fun. Lots of sensory issues here as well!

At_His_Feet
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Posted: June 24 2009 at 5:58am \| IP Logged

Thanks everyone for your replies. Some great ideas there. I think the key will be perseverance!

The dentist went well, but tomorrow he goes in for a general anaesthesia to have some work done. (Please offer a small prayer for him and me.)After that we'll be seeing the special needs dentist every 3 months.

Tricia

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Tricia
Mum to 3 boys 17, 15, and 10.
Do whatever He tells you

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