Do you struggle to get your child to brush their teeth? Do they squirm, cry, or outright refuse the toothbrush? It’s a common problem that many parents face. But what if we told you that sensory processing could be the culprit behind this daily battle?
Sensory processing affects how our bodies interpret and respond to stimuli from our environment. For some children, brushing their teeth can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable due to sensory issues. The good news is there are solutions! In this blog post, we will explore 10 things you can do to help your child with sensory processing disorder (SPD) brush their teeth more easily and effectively. Read on for tips and tricks that will make toothbrushing a breeze for both you and your little one!
The importance of brusing teeth
Brushing teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene, and it’s crucial for everyone, including children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Good dental care helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems that can affect a child’s overall health. But beyond the physical benefits of brushing teeth lies the psychological importance as well.
For children with SPD who already have sensory sensitivities or aversions to certain textures or flavors, neglecting their dental care can lead to additional stressors in social situations. The embarrassment of bad breath or yellowed teeth may cause them to avoid smiling or talking around others. Consistent brushing can help boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence.
It’s critical for parents to establish good tooth-brushing habits at an early age for children with SPD. Not only will this help keep their teeth healthy but also create a sense of routine and structure that many children with SPD thrive on. By making toothbrushing a positive experience through patience, encouragement, and finding what works best for your child’s unique needs are key steps towards helping them achieve great oral hygiene!
What is sensory processing disorder?
Sensory processing refers to how our nervous system interprets and responds to sensory stimuli from our environment. This includes the five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. However, it also encompasses other sensations such as body awareness and movement.
Children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) may struggle to organize or respond appropriately to sensory information they receive. These struggles can manifest in different ways depending on the child’s individual sensory profile.
Some children may be sensory seekers – constantly seeking out new or intense sensations such as touching everything they pass by or moving excessively. On the other hand, some children may be sensory avoiders – avoiding certain stimuli because it is uncomfortable or overwhelming for them.
Sensory processing difficulties can impact a child’s ability to complete everyday tasks like brushing their teeth due to discomfort or aversion towards certain textures of toothpaste or brushes.
Understanding your child’s unique sensory needs can help you identify strategies that will make daily routines more manageable for them.
Symptoms of sensory seekers
Children who are sensory seekers crave stimulation and seek out activities that provide them with more input. They often seem to be more active than their peers and may have trouble sitting still or staying focused. These children can also be impulsive, seeking out new experiences without thinking about the consequences.
One symptom of a sensory seeker is constantly moving or fidgeting. They may tap their feet, bounce in their chair, or wiggle around when they’re supposed to be sitting still. Another sign is seeking out physical contact such as hugs, wrestling matches, or handshakes.
Sensory seekers may also enjoy loud music or noises and prefer bright colors over muted tones. They might engage in risky behaviors like climbing high places just for the thrill of it. And finally, some sensory seekers will chew on things like pencils or clothing to get additional oral input.
It’s important to note that while these behaviors can sometimes be disruptive or dangerous if left unchecked, they serve a purpose for the child in regulating their nervous system. By providing appropriate outlets for this energy through heavy work activities and other strategies designed specifically for sensory processing disorder (SPD), parents can help their children manage these symptoms effectively at home and school alike.
Symptoms of sensory avoiders
Children with sensory processing disorder can also exhibit symptoms of being sensory avoiders. Sensory avoiders tend to become overwhelmed by the sensations that they experience, which makes it challenging for them to participate in activities that require tactile stimulation.
Some common signs of sensory avoidance include a dislike for touch or textures, difficulty tolerating loud noises or bright lights, and avoiding certain foods. Children who are sensory avoiders might struggle with everyday tasks such as getting dressed in the morning because certain fabrics feel uncomfortable against their skin.
Sensory avoiders may also have trouble brushing their teeth due to the sensation of toothpaste and the feeling of bristles on their teeth. This can result in poor dental hygiene if not addressed properly.
It’s important for parents to understand that children who are sensory avoiders are not being difficult on purpose; rather, they genuinely find certain sensations overwhelming or uncomfortable. By identifying these triggers and finding ways to work around them, parents can help their child feel more comfortable and confident while participating in daily activities such as toothbrushing.
What are heavy work activities?
Heavy work activities are a type of sensory input that involves using the muscles and joints of the body. These activities can help to regulate the nervous system, increase focus and attention, and improve coordination.
Examples of heavy work activities include pushing or pulling heavy objects, carrying weighted items, jumping on a trampoline, crawling through tunnels or under furniture, squeezing playdough or stress balls, and doing wall push-ups.
These activities provide proprioceptive input to the body which helps to calm an overactive nervous system. They also promote body awareness and spatial orientation while providing a sense of control over one’s environment.
Heavy work activities can be particularly helpful for children with sensory processing issues who may struggle with regulation during daily tasks such as toothbrushing. Incorporating these types of activities into their daily routine can make it easier to manage challenging situations by increasing their ability to self-regulate.
What are calming activities?
Calming activities are sensory experiences that help to soothe and relax the nervous system. These types of activities can be particularly helpful for children who struggle with sensory processing difficulties, as they can feel overwhelmed by sensations in their environment.
Some examples of calming activities include deep pressure input, like hugging or squeezing, which provides a sense of comfort and security. Slow rhythmic movements, such as rocking back and forth or swaying side to side, can also have a calming effect on the body.
Visual input is another important component of calming activities. Soft lighting or visual patterns like waves or clouds can provide a soothing distraction from stressful stimuli.
Auditory input is an effective way to calm the senses. Sounds that mimic nature like birds chirping or ocean waves crashing create a serene atmosphere.
Incorporating these types of calming activities into your child’s daily routine may help them better regulate their emotions and improve their ability to cope with challenging situations.
What are alerting activities?
Alerting activities are those that stimulate the senses and help to increase arousal levels. These types of activities can be particularly helpful for children who have low energy levels or struggle with concentration.
Some examples of alerting activities include bouncing on a trampoline, jumping jacks, running around, playing with a loud toy, or listening to upbeat music. These activities provide sensory input that can help wake up the body and mind.
It’s important to note that while these activities can be helpful in certain situations, they may not be appropriate for all children. For some children with sensory processing difficulties, alerting activities may actually cause them to become overstimulated and more disorganized.
If you’re unsure whether an activity is appropriate for your child, it’s always best to consult with an occupational therapist or healthcare professional who specializes in sensory processing disorders. They can help you identify which types of alerting activities will work best for your child based on their individual needs and preferences.
How sensory processing can interfere with toothbrushing
Sensory processing is the way our nervous system receives and responds to sensory information from the environment. For some children, this process can interfere with daily activities such as toothbrushing.
Sensory seekers may crave intense sensations and may brush their teeth too vigorously or for an extended period of time. On the other hand, sensory avoiders may be hypersensitive to oral input and find brushing uncomfortable or overwhelming.
Children with sensory processing difficulties may also struggle with following a consistent routine, which can make it challenging to establish good dental habits.
The taste and texture of toothpaste can also cause issues for some children with SPD. Minty flavors may be too strong while gritty textures may feel unpleasant in the mouth.
In addition, if a child experiences anxiety or stress during toothbrushing due to their sensory sensitivities, they may become resistant or refuse altogether.
It’s important for parents to understand how sensory processing affects their child’s ability to brush their teeth effectively. By identifying specific triggers and working on desensitization techniques through occupational therapy, parents can help improve their child’s overall oral hygiene.
10+ things you can do to help your child with SPD to brush their teeth
- Start with a sensory diet: It is important to create an environment that suits your child’s sensory needs. This can be done by incorporating heavy work and calming activities throughout the day.2. Use a visual schedule: A visual schedule can help your child understand what comes next in their routine, like brushing their teeth before bedtime.
3. Make tooth brushing fun: Incorporate games or songs while brushing teeth to make it more enjoyable for your child.
4. Offer choices: Provide two toothpaste options, different types of toothbrushes or even allowing them to choose which sink they want to use.
5. Practice deep breathing exercises: Teaching your child how to breathe deeply and slowly can help calm them down during the toothbrushing process.
6. Allow for breaks: If your child is feeling overwhelmed, allow them some time to take a break before continuing with toothbrushing.
7. Use positive reinforcement: Praising your child for good behavior during toothbrushing can encourage them to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits in the future.
8. Try different textures and tastes of dental products: Some children may prefer certain textures or flavors of toothpaste over others, so experiment until you find one they enjoy using. Avoid flavoured dental floss for sensory avoiders and offer flavoured dental floss for sensory seekers.
9. Create a social story about brushing teeth: Social stories are short narratives that can help children learn new skills or behaviors in an engaging way through storytelling.
10. Involve occupational therapist advice : An occupational therapist might suggest specific techniques tailored toward helping children with SPD brush their teeth effectively while reducing anxiety levels
11. Spinning, vibrating toothbrushes offer good sensory feedback and can help picky eaters
12. For kids who can’t tolerate a toothbrush, try soft bristles or a baby toothbrush
13. Try a singing toothbrush
14. Brush your teeth longside your child
15. Use a time
16. Be mindful of water temperature
17. Brush the inside of their cheeks and tongue to help desensitise their mouths
Conclusion
Helping a child with sensory processing disorder to brush their teeth can be a challenging task. However, by understanding the signs of sensory seekers and avoiders and incorporating heavy work activities, calming activities, and alerting activities into their routine, parents can make toothbrushing a less stressful experience for both themselves and their child.
It’s important to remember that every child is unique and may require different techniques or accommodations. By working closely with your child’s occupational therapist or healthcare provider, you can develop an effective strategy for promoting good oral hygiene habits in your child.
With patience, persistence, and creativity, you can help your child overcome the challenges associated with sensory processing disorder while also ensuring they have strong healthy teeth.