probably been done before but any ideas for teeth brushing!!

[hungryhippo21]

ds is 2.5 (ASD) and I need help with brushing his teeth he is getting worse and it usually involves a struggle ( he will tolerate it for 10 seconds at most and then I have to hold him and do it). Tried praising him while I do it, distacting him, let him brush mine at same time. Have tried electric toothbrush (he freaked at that). So any ideas please!!!!

[Frasersmum123]

I dont have any advice but do have a similar problem with DS2. I literally have to sit over him and hold both his arms with one hand and clean his teeth with the other. Its like wrestling. Its fine when I do the botom teeth but as soon as I try to clean the top he wont have it!

So you are not alone - my DS is 2.

[Nat1H]

Would singing help? DS2 used to be like this - not too bad now, but I must admit this past week has been a bit of a mare! We initially got him to brush them by singing a song about teeth or brushing teeth (usually made up on the spot!)
Good luck!

[notfromaroundhere]

We got DS1 a lighting up tooth brush which worked for all of a week . My current tactic is to pretend to brush his toes etc (with the back of the brush!) and say "hmmm that's not right, lets try your ear" etc. I do this 4 or 5 times then go for his teeth and he lets me brush for about 30 seconds, then I repeat the game until his teeth have had a decent brush...

[amber32002]

It hurts.

As someone with an ASD, this is difficult to explain, but the whole experience is like having your teeth brushed with a wire bottle brush dipped in the strongest smelling and tasting chemical mixture imaginable, and someone then scrubbing with all their might. Because so many of us have hypersensitivities of touch and anything to do with our mouths, it's a nightmare.

I'd suggest using something very, very soft and the mildest toothpaste possible, and letting your child learn to do this for themselves as soon as possible so that they can stop when it becomes totally overpowering. Get them to wiggle their toes at the same time, or listen to music they love or watch a programme they love, or try letting them wrap themselves in a thick duvet at the same time. Anything like that can push the 'panic' button in our brains back to 'off' again long enough to get the job done. And reward with something nice immediately afterwards - low voice levels, no eye contact, etc so we can just relax.

[dsrplus8]

is he ok with music? what abou the tooth tunes ones? or the baby ones you shove on your finger?

[dsrplus8]

with dd4 i find if shes in a bath we get to do her teeth. i think the warm water distracts her from the brushing!

[mumgoingcrazy]

DD2 is only 19 months but we had the same problem. She is orally defensive so getting anywhere near her face, let alone teeth was a no go area. Our SALT recommended facial massage, lip tapping to a song and playing a game with her. After 2 months we are now in her mouth for a thorough brush using a silicone finger brush. It's hard going and very time consuming but it's worked. She is also now very happy to have cream on her face and have her hair brushed, washed, stroked etc. We also use a very mild toothpaste, and the paed dentist coated her teeth for us as we weren't managing a proper brush.

[Pixel]

Ds won't even hold the toothbrush, much less clean his own teeth so we always have a wrestling match. I know it's not pleasant for him but I was mortified when he had to go to hospital and have seven milk teeth out in one go so I don't think there's much choice.

[jealiebaby]

Maybe try a flavoured toothpaste. i have heard that some AS children are over sensative to the flavour even the mild childrens ones. Tesco do a banana and a strawberry. If he is panicked by the sight of the brush then just use your fingers at first until he discovers he likes the flavour. Then maybe get him to choose a new brush for hiw new flavoured toothpaste???
None of that might work but thats what I would try. He might not get a proper clean for a few days but in the long run it may help.

[vjg13]

We use the collis curve toothbrush. Fledglings stock them. They are more efficient with less effort than a normal brush. The bristles curve over each other.

[hungryhippo21]

hi thanks for all the suggestions,I dont think the trouble is the toothpaste he asks for his toothbrush and wants toothpaste on as he likes the taste. He also likes eating skincream and soap suds. He does not like me doing things for him he will chew the toothbrush if he holds it himself but doesnt copy to move it about.Might try it whilst distracting with telly then the finger ones if that is no good also touching his lips for fun.Also have made a note of that coliis brush to investigate later so lots of brillant suggestions many thanks.

[Woooozle100]

I've just found out my dd 'likes' that plastic-y rubbish tongue scraper thing on the back of them new fangled adult rip off toothbrushes! Like you have tried singing, vibrating, ligt up oh whatever brushes to no avail. (Them fledgelings ones do look good and will be good if only in that they do twice the cleaning in half the time but I was after a little one and couldn't get at the time. Sure they must have now)

In desperation, opened new toothbrush in cupboard and she likes it. Yayyyy! Prolly sick of the furry teeth

[ohmeohmy]

Been lurking, same prob with ds age 7. Thanks amber32002- nice to have a first person perspective.