Additionally, many autistic toothbrushes come with ergonomic handles that make them very easy for children to hold. This is important, because it can be difficult for kids with autism to brush their teeth on their own. Even though it was only 3-5 minutes each cycle, remembering to do it every 90 minutes was tough. In addition, when I was feeling better, I could not be sure it was the brushing that was affecting me. It could have been a sunny day, my mood was elevated, I had a good night’s rest, and had a good breakfast. It did not harm me, and even if it was a placebo, it was worth it to feel better.

Apply firm consistent pressure – light pressure will disorganize the system or cause increased arousal Padded head, flexible structure together with a soft tactile, Latex-Free rubbery surface makes griping easier and helps protect the oral environment from trauma in the event of sudden, unsafe movements. Available in Adult and Child / Toddler sizes: Children’s Surround® Toothbrush is recommended up to age 5. The technique is called “brushing” only because of the tool that is used, but it’s not with your typical hairbrush. What Is a Sensory Brush? The 3-Sided Toothbrush is most similar to regular manual toothbrushes, except they have three brushes arranged in a V shape to brush all three sides of the tooth at once. This reduces the amount of time needed to brush teeth, causing much less stress to the user. They also come in different sizes to accommodate for different tooth widths.There are some great apps available on tablets. They can help children brushing their teeth and come with a variety of aides/prompts. 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. Using an Autistic toothbrush for kids is much like using manual toothbrushes in most cases, but it does depend on the toothbrush of choice and, more importantly, the individual needs of the child. Some tips on how to use an autistic toothbrush may include: You don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries – they are non-replaceable anyway. They are meant to last the same time as the toothbrush; three months. Finally, help your child learn how to use the toothbrush properly. If your child is older, you can use visual supports to aid their brushing. Show them how to hold it and brush each section of their teeth evenly. Taking care of their oral hygiene is an important step in helping them alleviate any future distress caused by poor dental hygiene. Using an Autistic Toothbrush

It will also be helpful to complete this toothbrushing routine around the same time every day. It doesn’t have to be rigid in that you brush teeth every night at 5pm, but should always follow an event like a meal, or when you first wake up in the morning. Negative side effects such as difficulty eating, sleeping, worsening of behavior, digestive issues, moodiness, etc. If these occur, advise spreading out the brushing until the learner’s system accommodates to it Sensory brushing is more effective over bare skin, however if brushing over clothing pull the clothing tight and eliminate bumpsISSA has silicone bristles, which is feels much better compared to the dreadful nylon bristles. It is electric and the way it pulses, and massages my mouth provides the perfect amount of sensory stimulation that I need. The silicon handle also feels fantastic in my hands compared to the usual plastic toothbrush handle. Once you determine what works, plan to utilize the same language, visuals, toothbrush and toothpaste every time you work on toothbrushing. Create a routine that works for you and your family! It can evolve over time, so don’t worry if it’s not exactly what you want it to be right away. Having a routine helps take away anxiety around the unknown, and establishes what to expect during the situation. Different 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. For cleaning around teeth and along the gumline. The soft outer bristles are angled to gently clean along the gum margin while the inner bristles clean and polish the tooth surface.