Toothbrushing alternatives?
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Anonymous
| My teenage autistic child is struggling to brush her teeth regularly. We switched to an electric toothbrush several years ago because otherwise she just chewed on the brush and the electric toothbrush made the motor demands easier. Then she said the toothbrush was too loud, so we got a new, quieter model. Now she says she can't stand the feel of the bristles on her teeth. Any ideas for alternatives? |
Anonymous
You’d have to ask the dentist about doing it long term but there are dental wipe things that you use on baby teeth. I don’t think they’d really get the molars though. Maybe a nicer toothpaste? My kids like the tanners brand- one likes the vanilla and one likes the chocolate flavor |
Anonymous
1) Regrow tooth powder. Use it with plain yogurt and smear on the teeth twice a day.
2) Use a water pick to remove the food stuck between the teeth. Gargle and rinse your mouth after every meal. 3) Use a copper tongue cleaner to scrape off the crud from the tongue |
Anonymous
| How about wiping the teeth with toothpaste on gauze and have her go to the dentist every three to four months? Just a brainstorm. Don’t know if would be effective. |
Anonymous
|
I know you said no bristles, but maybe something like this that fits on the finger would work?
https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Finger-Toothbrush-BabyBaus-Different/dp/B06XSPXXXK I guess this would be too much. https://trysonicbrush.com/products/sonic-brush-pro?currency=USD&cmp_id=17891987925&adg_id=&kwd=&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw2OiaBhBSEiwAh2ZSP_gCxJ0d9T3z7RPBeNoUTIQEGtBI5wxcfyEEOCW4h-9fEoeW81lAvBoCSjAQAvD_BwE&variant=20520506949735 I've seen wipes that fit over your finger, but I'm not sure how well they work. https://www.padentalimplants.com/how-to-clean-teeth-without-a-toothbrush/ |
Anonymous
| An boy with autism I used to work with used a rubber dog toothbrush with great success |
Anonymous
|
Water pik used in the shower.
Baby brush with extra soft bristles. If brushing isn’t regular her gums will hurt. Good mouthwash Increased frequency of dental cleanings Try changing the toothpaste flavors too. Many kids with autism I found have an aversion to fake mint flavors though some Can tolerate natural peppermint flavor as an alternative. Dr Sheffield natural peppermint has been useful several times in my experience. Cinnamon is usually a good choice also if they aren’t allergic. Find whatever combination works and use it consistently to create good habits and strengthen gums so they aren’t so sensitive. Start slow and build time required for brushing until it becomes more tolerable for her. Make sure they brush their tongue each time. |
Anonymous
| Oh and you can also try a z for decreasing mouth sensitivity, I’d consult an ot or slp for that one |
Anonymous
* z vibe |
Anonymous
Oh this is very interesting! I’m not the OP hive posted before about how horrible the dentist is for my child!!! Can you talk about your experience? Can you use it at home? We are not OT anymore but would love to try this before next dentist appointment!! |
Anonymous
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Xylitol gum and xylitol mouthwash.
This device: Oral Breeze QuickBreeze Oral Irrigator, Easy Faucet Installation, Treats Gum Disease Naturally, Use 15 Seconds Daily https://a.co/d/4S6EvkV |
Anonymous
| Also, if you’re looking for non mint flavors for toothpaste. Check out Marvis. Both my son and i really like the flavor that comes in the black tube. (Kind of licorice-y or Anise-y) |
Anonymous
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My 5 year old who hates anything with her mouth, toothbrush, dentist, etc likes this auto brush. You are still supposed to move it around somewhat (which she doesn’t), but it’s better than nothing. Get the double sided brush so you just bite and use it once without having to flip over
https://tryautobrush.com/ |