Sensory Activities for Brushing Teeth

For most people, brushing teeth is a routine daily living skill, but for those with oral sensitivities it can prove an overwhelming sensory experience that is frequently resisted. Working to resolve this oral defensiveness is critical not just to dental hygiene and health, but often to corresponding oral issues with food sensitivities, speech, and swallowing reflexes. Fortunately, there are many therapeutic activities found to be very effective in minimizing or eliminating this sensitivity.

Background

• Oral sensitivity frequently occurs with other sensory issues, often diagnosed as a condition called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This condition entails various sensory stimuli not being processed accurately by the central nervous system, resulting in perceptions of overstimulation and/or understimulation. If this is suspected in the case of hypo or hypersensitivity to teeth brushing, it is important to seek evaluation by a medical professional to best determine a plan of treatment. Therapy for SPD is provided by occupational therapists certified in this field. A prescribed progression of treatment is developed to most effectively address the needs of the patient.

Specific Activities

• Recommended activities are based on the level of oral hypo or hypersensitivity being dealt with. In extreme cases, therapy starts in the area surrounding the mouth. This can include touching the cheeks and chin through massage or patting, applying a lotion or a soft, warm washcloth, to name just a few techniques. The amount of pressure applied is determined by sensory response.

  Therapy usually progresses to the lips and then into the mouth as is tolerated. Many techniques are tried such as tickling with feathers or applying smooth lip gloss. Food is used in much of the therapy to introduce a variety of flavors, textures and sensations into the mouth. Tasting of small amounts of different flavors of toothpaste is also commonly done, preferably on the end of a toothbrush. At first a child may be encouraged to simply play with a toothbrush before putting it in his mouth. When tolerated, a vibrating toothbrush may be introduced. The general intent is to gradually work through the various levels of sensitivity to the point where a toothbrush can be handled in the mouth.

  Other techniques that have proved helpful are activities involving the mouth, such as blowing bubbles, blowing candles out, chewing on plastic toys, sucking different beverages through straws, eating chewy gummy candies, sucking on a sucker, chewing gum, or playing plastic flutes or whistles. Many other suggested techniques can be found in resources on the topic.

Wilbarger Oral Tactile Technique

• Certified occupational therapists often also utilize therapeutic brushing, both on the skin and in the mouth. This is done with specialized brushes and the determined correct application of pressure. It is referred to as the Wilbarger oral tactile technique when done in the mouth and uses a specialized rubber finger cap which has very fine, soft bristles for gently massaging inside the mouth.

Choosing a dentist

• Finding a dentist who specializes in working with children can be a big help in overcoming oral sensory issues. Explain your child's oral hypersensitivity when making the appointment. The dental team can be great in calming an anxious child. Just being around other kids in the dentist chair can be comforting, and frequently stickers, prizes and movies playing can be distracting enough to help make progress. It may take several unproductive visits, and for some procedures sedation or general anesthesia, but eventually children usually learn to tolerate dental appointments.

Summary

• Through application of many of these techniques, preferably working with a certified occupational therapist, oral sensitivity can be overcome or made more manageable. With time and patience, even the most resistant child can learn to brush his teeth and successfully visit the dentist. And subsequently, parents see positive results in other areas such as willingness to eat a wider variety of foods, ability to chew and swallow more easily, and in some cases, resolve of certain speech challenges. Sensory neural pathways have become more effective, offering the child more normal functioning.