Teeth brushing for children with additional needs

Many children try to avoid brushing their teeth. Children with additional needs often find it particularly difficult. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as sensitivity or discomfort.

You will need to support them. Help them brush their teeth until they are at least 7 years of age. This is to make sure they're brushing their teeth in the right way.

It may take two people to brush teeth sometimes – one to brush while the other distracts, holds hands or encourages.

Preparing your child for teeth brushing

Introduce teeth cleaning in pretend play. This is to help get your child used to it. Use books and songs to read and sing about brushing teeth.

Allow your child to play with the toothbrush. See if they can attempt some brushing on their own.

Lead by example and model how you brush your teeth.

Make teeth brushing fun

Playing games with your child can help make teeth brushing fun for them.

You could try:

• playing games before brushing. For example, ask your child to count their teeth on one side with their tongue.
• blowing bubbles and drinking through straws
• role play using teddy, doll or your child’s favourite toy

Practise spitting out small amounts of water. Lead up to small amounts of toothpaste use.

Tell your child why brushing their teeth is important. Think about using a children's book about teeth brushing to explain this.

An occupational therapist or speech and language therapist can tell you about this, if your child is working with one.

Relax and calm your child

Try joint compression to the head, neck and shoulders before tooth brushing.

Consider applying deep pressure touch to stimulate receptors in the joints. Do this by squeezing for a few seconds at a time, then releasing and repeating.

Deep pressure touch can relax, calm and increase a child’s body awareness. It can be very useful with children who are very sensitive around their head, face and mouth.

Always be guided by your child's responses when applying deep pressure touch. Make sure it is comfortable for them. Check if they are showing any signs of discomfort.

Tips to help your child brush their teeth

Brushing can be done standing behind the child with the head supported or from a seated or kneeling position.

Allow your child to hold one toothbrush and use a second for brushing.

Use a mirror so your child can see their mouth during brushing.

A visual timer on your phone may help. These can help the child with the concept of 2 minutes and as a visual distraction.

Pick a 2 or 3 minute song with your child and play that as a 'timer'.

Choosing a toothbrush

Use a soft bristle toothbrush.

Brushing can be more fun when children use a toothbrush they love. For example, one that lights up or shows their favourite character. Let them choose.

If your child has trouble grasping the brush, increasing the handle size with foam may help.

Some children may prefer an electric toothbrush. Those with sensory needs may find the gentle vibration of an electric toothbrush comforting and calming.

You could also use an electric toothbrush on their face and cheeks before teeth brushing. This can help to desensitise them to the vibration of a regular toothbrush.

Choosing toothpaste

Try bicarbonate-based or flavourless toothpastes. It can help children who easily gag.

Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.

This should be:

• rice grain size for children under 3 years old
• pea-size for children age 3 to 6

Brushing your child's teeth

After brushing

Use reward charts, stickers and commend your child’s effort with praise.

Support

Watch a video on learning to brush your teeth (video)

Talk to your dentist or pharmacist about dental products that might help your child.