Making cleaning teeth fun!
Here we are giving tips and suggestions on strategies to make cleaning teeth fun but also showing children how important it is to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
2-2-2 – This is an easy way for adults and children to remember their dental hygiene rules.
Using your own tooth brush, clean your teeth 2 times each day:
Ideally this is first thing in the morning and before bed time in the evening. It is important to make this part of the daily routine. Just a small amount of toothpaste is needed, the size of a green pea.
Toothbrushes come in different colours, light up, play music and some have characters on. These can be purchased from chemists/ supermarkets. It is an idea for the child to choose their tooth brush themselves when purchasing as this will involve them and start their cleaning teeth journey.
Brush for 2 minutes: Singing the “Happy Birthday to you” song twice either in our heads or out loud and enjoying a dance as well will take two minutes and its lots of fun. Another idea that may be preferred or keep concentration held is a timer that counts down 2 minutes. Make sure each tooth is cleaned on the front and back and also it is important to give gums and tongue a gentle brush.
Once a brushing technique is learned there are options of electric toothbrushes that help with cleaning the whole tooth and some children may find this easier or more fun to use. Some of these brushes are available that flash for 2 minutes so it is clear when to stop brushing as the toothbrush will stop flashing.
Different flavoured tooth pastes are available. Some children do not like the most common mint flavour. More fruity flavoured toothpastes can be purchased or discussed with your dentist.
Visit your local Dentist 2 times each year: This can be made into a fun activity. Sitting in the dentists big chair and letting him/her reward your child with a sticker at the end of the visit for doing so well.
If your child is not registered at a local dentist you can follow this link to find information about local dental surgeries and other services.
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/
Visiting your Dentist may not be straight forward for some families. For example if your child has difficulties communicating, anxiety, extremely medically dental phobia, has a severe learning disability or health restrictions that may cause visiting your dentist a more distressing experience for them. A Special Care Dental Service is offered in Sandwell at:
The Lyng Centre for Health and Social Care.
Telephone: 0121 612 2385.
Opening hours are between 8:45am-5pm.
SENSORY STRATEGIES: Some children can sometimes process sensory information in a different way and become more sensitive to activities such as cleaning their teeth. This could cause a trigger to a child who has autism. Here are some suggestions to help in this scenario.
- To lower sensitivity put a small amount of pressure on the gums and brush with firm but painless strokes.
- Use a vibrating toothbrush – the sensation is consistent and also encourages hand/wrist strength. Also the wider handle may be easier to hold.
- Toothbrushes with characters on/light up/sing/vibrate are a great distraction.
- Help balance by standing behind your child, securing their body.
- Use a mirror so that seeing their reflection is an option.
- Try using warm water rather than cold water.
“CLEAN YOUR TEETH EVERY DAY, AND SEE THEM SPARKLE FROM FAR AWAY”
