My sons will be 5 in March and I have ALWAYS struggled with him when it comes to teeth brushing. At first he would scream like he was being poisioned and would say it burnt his mouth. We tried every toothpaste on the market and finally found one mild enough for him not to carry on too much about it. I've tried every novelty toothbrush, electric, ones with lights etc. Hes been punished, given incentives, reward charts and so on. Nothing has worked. Hes now complaining that he doesnt like the bubbles and he doesnt like the actual sensation of brushing them. He is a good boy this isn't a behavior thing you can see him trying so hard to brush his teeth but he just cant stand it. I feel like this is a sensory issue. he doesn't like bubbles with anything. Soda, bubble baths, toothpaste, dishliquid, blowing bubbles etc. I'm at complete loss on how to help him he cant not brush his teeth! Please help!
Son hates brushing his teeth- sensory issues
Thursday, 13 November 2014 - 09:34
Son hates brushing his teeth- sensory issues
Posted in:
Kids, Aspergers & Autism
2 Replies
Try without the paste and a very soft brush. Other wise you can use a soft cloth to wipe over the teeth without paste. Once he has gotten used to that gradually desensitise him to the paste by putting minute amounts of paste on whatever your brushing with and gradually increase. You are looking for a positive experience as in the long term that will be better and create more progress
How about not using any paste? My daughter hates toothpaste too- she says it burns her mouth- like you I tried all sorts of brands and she didn't like any of them.. Horrible battle at night time, so I just decided to let her brush without paste.. easier for all of us.. Her teeth are fine and now no dramas at teeth time.. ( Other younger daughter loves toothpaste and tries to eat it.. go figure..)