Tips for Finding the Best Toothbrush for Children with Special Needs
Posted on 1/24/2022 by Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
You can find toothbrushes that will make it easier to brush the teeth of kids with autism or special needs. Some children with special needs, such as autism patients, do not like tooth brushing, often closing their mouth or turning away when it is done. However, by using the right toothbrush, you can get some kids to ask to brush their teeth themselves.
A 3-Sided Toothbrush
One type of toothbrush that offers good coverage and effectively removes plaque is a 3-sided toothbrush, one of the kinds of toothbrushes recommended for children with autism and special needs. This toothbrush provides 360-degree coverage and makes toothbrushing less stressful for the child as well as the caregiver. Because of its design, the 3-sided toothbrush can effectively clean teeth in less time. It takes about a minute to clean the teeth, less than the 2 minutes prescribed when using a regular toothbrush. You can get this toothbrush in manual and electric or sonic models. Some children may be more comfortable with the manual brush, as the electric or sonic toothbrushes' sound and movement may make them feel nervous.
Handle Modifications
Some children like to use a bulkier handle, as it is easier to maneuver. If this is the case for your child, finding a toothbrush with a bulker handle is a good idea. If your child can brush their teeth and they don't mind using an electric or sonic toothbrush, then a powered toothbrush will provide the bulk they need when using a handle. Choose a powered toothbrush with a soft round head that the ADA approves.
Making a Choice
When selecting a toothbrush, you need to consider who will be using the brush (the caregiver or child) and any special requirements (handle size, size of the brush head, or whether the brush is manual or powered). If your child has dry mouth problems (from taking medications), ask out dental team at Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry about the best dental products to use to reduce the problem.
As noted, special needs children have unique needs when it comes to dental care. Therefore, take your time and carefully assess the toothbrushes online. Give us a call today at (316) 202-9629 to schedule an exam and consultation.
Blog - Wichita, KS • Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Healy created this informative blog to assist with educating the community about various topics of pediatric dentistry. Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, 3933 N. Maize Road, Suite 200 Wichita, KS 67101, (316) 202-9629, tinyteethwichita.com, 10/3/2024, Related Phrases: Pediatric Dentist Wichita KS,
You can find toothbrushes that will make it easier to brush the teeth of kids with autism or special needs. Some children with special needs, such as autism patients, do not like tooth brushing, often closing their mouth or turning away when it is done. However, by using the right toothbrush, you can get some kids to ask to brush their teeth themselves.