Toothbrush: Choosing for an Autistic Child

Even typically developing children can sometimes be difficult to convince about the importance of brushing their teeth. Parents of autistic children may face additional challenges, but they can influence their children through the specific behaviors associated with autism.

First and foremost, it is important to choose a toothbrush that will become a “friend” to the child. Autistic children often perceive it as an unfamiliar or alien object, or they may protest if they have a sensitive mouth. Therefore, instead of a regular-bristled brush, choose one with a soft or silicone cleaning surface. This may be a temporary solution, but little by little, the child will get used to the sensations related to dental care and will become accustomed to the toothbrush. The key is to ensure that the child feels comfortable using it.

Choosing the right toothpaste can be just as difficult, as autistic children often have sensory sensitivities. A regular mint-flavored paste might cause them to feel bitterness or burning in their mouth, but fortunately, there are many toothpastes with child-friendly flavors, such as vanilla ice cream or berry. Flavorless toothpaste may be the best option. If the child enjoys experimenting with colors, they might prefer pink or green toothpaste over white.

When introducing the brushing routine, it’s helpful to utilize the natural tendency of autistic children to adhere to a structured daily schedule. Brushing teeth should occur at the same time each day (for example, after breakfast and before bed), so that the child begins to see it as an essential part of their routine. Since brushing is recommended for two minutes, a timer or a song of the appropriate length can help the child track the time. There are various methods to help introduce the routine:

• Using pictures to demonstrate each step of the brushing process.
• Visual aids explaining why brushing is necessary and what to expect from it.
• Leading by example, as autistic children often try to mimic the behavior of others.

Additionally, break the process of brushing into smaller, manageable steps. One step could focus on teaching the child how to hold the toothbrush, another on applying toothpaste, and a third on cleaning a specific area of the mouth. Once the child masters one step, you can move on to the next. It’s important to use various types of positive reinforcement, offering rewards after each successful step. However, always approach the process gently, with explanations and persuasion, rather than pressure, which could result in resistance and negative reactions. Brushing should be a pleasant and even enjoyable experience for the child, not a dreaded chore.

Introducing an autistic child to basic hygiene rules can be more challenging than it seems. However, with the right approach, you can avoid issues and improve the child’s behavior and overall well-being. This can be achieved with the help of cellular therapy, which has become widely recognized and is practiced in leading clinics around the world. It involves transplanting the patient’s own stem cells, which transform into healthy replacements for defective cells, ultimately restoring normal brain function naturally.

One of the leaders in applying this safe and effective method is the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, which has accumulated vast and successful experience using cellular therapy to treat autism. The center boasts highly qualified doctors, cutting-edge equipment, and its services are more affordable compared to other countries. Additionally, the clinic provides full support when planning a visit.

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