Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi my son who has ASD will not brush his teeth along with other Sensory issues this has been a constant battle since we first tried brushing his teeth and feel this is what we need to work on first. He has attended O.T sessions and they have given us some ideas such as using a cloth around his mouth to desensitise before brushing using pictures etc, and he attends a special care dentist. Nothing is working he is only 4 but obviously he needs to brush his teeth. He gets very aggressive with me if I attempt to go near him with the brush and won't allow me to use the cloth on his face, will hit me and himself. Does anyone have any other ideas or techniques they use? or is there somewhere else I can be referred to to get help? Many thanks
Hi sarah1983 ,
I am hoping that the following information might be of some help to you.
On our website we have information about going to the dentist and oral hygiene:
http://www.autism.org.uk/dentist
or our page about sensory difficulties may be of interest:
http://www.autism.org.uk/about/behaviour/sensory-world.aspx
Alternatively, you can contact our Autism Helpline Team for advice and support on the matter. They are available on 0808 800 4104, Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm, Friday 9am-3pm.
I hope this is helpful.
Thanks,
Holly (Moderator)
Thank you for this info I'll have a look through.