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SN children

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Original poster

Can anyone please help me re teeth brushing and possible sensory issues?

13 replies

NeoMaxiZoomDweebie · 02/07/2013 08:58

Long story very short...my DD is 8 going on 9 and has always been quirky. They were going to assess her in year 3 but decided against it as she "came on" so well.

She's one of those borderline cases really....she's very bright and very sensitive to noise and touch...has various verbal stims though she is able to hide them in a number of ways as she understands they're not the go socially....as a small child she spoke early but had some immediate echolalia...but she's also very articulate and since this year has become very sociable. She's always had friends but was passive....this has changed and how!

So....she' is terrible about teeth brushing...she winces and moans as though it is actually casusing her pain...agony in fact. She has always been this way and has three fillings as a result and now she has to have 2 teeth out.

How can I help her? What can I do? It's causing ructions in the mornings!

OP posts:

claw2 · 02/07/2013 09:45

Similar here, fillings and teeth removal. Things that have helped;-

We count, so there is a beginning and an end. So we are going to brush and count to 10, then stop. Gradually increase.

Letting ds choose which side/front to start. Giving him some control over something he obviously finds uncomfortable.

A soft brush.

Fruit flavoured toothpaste as ds says that mint 'burns'.

PolterGoose · 02/07/2013 11:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KOKOagainandagain · 02/07/2013 11:12

I switched DS1 and DS2 to electric toothbrushes (gradually) which is more forgiving of poor technique and also has a timer built-in. The heads are very small. I have also used disclosing tablets - the boys think it is hilarious having a bright blue tongue which helps enormously to reduce the stress around tooth-cleaning. I wouldn't recommend it before school though

maxybrown · 02/07/2013 11:57

second the electric toothbrush - helps as I'm just guiding it rather then any pressure. He still hates it, would never suggest he brushed his teeth at all, but will open his mouth now. I admit to it not beng done everyday and keeping it as short and sweet as possible, but he saw a special needs dentist last week for the first time ever and she even amazingly got to look in his mouth a little and she said no decay, so at least that's one thing. (first time ever seeing a dentist) DS is fast approaching 6 and has 2 adult teeth present and another wobbly tooth.

blueeyedmonster · 02/07/2013 12:03

I tried an electric toothbrush with ds and he hated it. Finds a normal toothbrush 'fuzzy' to use as it is. Mint toothpaste is a no go. Finally we found one he'll tolerate but I still have problems with getting him to brush his teeth. It's a nightmare.

penny100 · 02/07/2013 12:17

Polter - does your DC use the Collis Curve toothbrush and would you recommend it? I kinda assume the answer is yes to both for you to post it but just wanted to check before I spend £9.50 on buying one. For us toothbrushing is just misery too. I hadn't heard of that toothbrush before - sounds good.

Original poster

NeoMaxiZoomDweebie · 02/07/2013 12:20

Thank you all....I did see that Collis toothbrush but not really in a position to buy atm. I have some disclosure tablets in the cupboard and will use them tonight!

I just worry so much! I have showed her pics of rotten teeth....explained hygeine...she's not bothered. She's a proper pain at times.

OP posts:

maxybrown · 02/07/2013 12:34

My DS doesn't like his electric toothbrush, he just tolerates it for a few seconds so that I don't have to pin him down with head welded between my legs for a quick brush. He too hates toothpaste of any sort. on the upside his toothbrush heads last him ages

I was not convinced with the electric toothbrush but it has helped my DS. It hasn't helped my friends little one though as he doesn't like the noise. For my DS I think it is the pressure or touching that bothers him the most (aside form toothpaste) but I'd say his teeth are done every other day once, as quickly as possible with still a lot of discomfort. But I see it as a bonus as I'm not pinning him down

PolterGoose · 02/07/2013 18:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Strongecoffeeismydrug · 02/07/2013 18:54

DS hated brushing his teeth,tried everything then found a toothbrush that plays music for two minutes but only when it's pressed against the teeth.music is DS thing so he brushes twice a day now with no fuss as he listens to his brush play the black eyed peas lol

sweetteamum · 02/07/2013 22:36

I have exactly the same problem with ds aged 10....he can't stand doing his teeth but I'm hoping that the collis curve brush will ease the pressure on him to do his teeth. As well as lessen the time needing to force him.

penny100 · 04/07/2013 22:53

Oh Polter, I ordered that toothbrush you mentioned above, it arrived today and it is fantastic!! Thank you for the recommendation! Such a clever design. DS actually said it was 'fine'! 'FINE'!!!! This is a boy who normally has such histrionics over the gentlest of toothbrushing, you'd think we were actually trying to extract his teeth not clean them, so that's a HUGE success! Expensive, yes, but a breakthrough- thank you!

sweetteamum · 05/07/2013 08:14

I also have come back to say that we received the brush yesterday and the reaction from DS was very positive indeed. Thank you and here's to happy teeth brushing (until he decides he hates it lol)

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