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Toothbrushing

MummyGruetzieMummyGruetzie member
in Special Needs

How do you guys with little ones that have swallowing issues and oral sensitivities brush teeth?

I've worked with kids who had just the oral sensitivity in the past and was able to navigate that, but am scared with the silent aspiration on top of it. I don't want to give her pneumonia just to get fresh breath!

We've been trying to work on getting her used to the toothbrush by letting her go at her own pace and explore it on her own terms. This is moving along too slowly and her breath is getting progressively more foul. Her teeth are formed incorrectly anyways. I don't want them to rot on top of that. We have enough things that set us apart already. Teeth are such a huge social thing and I really don't want that added to the mix anymore than it is.

We can't go to a sedation dentist right now and I don't know how she'd fare without being sedated. In any case, I am going to ask the SLP this week, but am curious what you do.

What do you do?! Has anybody tried the dentist with a nonverbal child without doing the sedation?

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Re: Toothbrushing

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    SobachkaSobachka

    If you are GFCF there is a Tom's toothpaste that is 'safe' to swallow. I used to use a rubber toothbrush (not sure what they are called - those blue tips they use for babies with a row of short soft rubber bristles). You could substitute this with a cotton ball, a gauze or whatever your DS will tolerate. If not GFCF you can use fluoride free training toothpaste that comes in different flavors.

    What is the aversion? Smell, texture?

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    Mrs.RoseMrs.Rose member

    I don't have this issue, but we have a rubber toothbrush shaped like a banana we use for DS#1 to teeth on when he cuts molars.  At least it is shaped cute and more "fun."  He like to chew on it in general, and it seemed softer than a regular brush, so maybe that will help.

    I got the toothbrush on amazon.com

    Good luck! 

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    MummyGruetzieMummyGruetzie member
    imageSobachka:

    If you are GFCF there is a Tom's toothpaste that is 'safe' to swallow. I used to use a rubber toothbrush (not sure what they are called - those blue tips they use for babies with a row of short soft rubber bristles). You could substitute this with a cotton ball, a gauze or whatever your DS will tolerate.

    For oral desensitization we've tried a z-vibe, a Nuk, vibrating star teether. We have all sorts of textured spoons, brushes, and oral devices, which we've tried in speech.  

    If not GFCF you can use fluoride free training toothpaste that comes in different flavors.

    She does have allergies to wheat and dairy. We have the Tom's toothpaste for my other daughter, but our sweet girl can't swallow. So I'm afraid for her to get the toothpaste into her lungs.  

    What is the aversion? Smell, texture?

    She's completely g-tube fed except for very thick purees which are only given occasionally when we're doing feeding therapy (both at home and by the therapist). She really does not take any textures by mouth.  

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    SobachkaSobachka

    I may be of no help but I would try a gause wrapped on your finger and just touch the teeth. You need a tiny amt of Toms to clean, and you can wipe the teeth clean after that with a wet gause. Toms make little bubbles.

    So sorry, maybe an SLP or an OT can help better.....

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    MummyGruetzieMummyGruetzie member

    That's a good idea to use one gauze that has just a little toothpaste and then one that's just a tiny bit wet. She has all of her teeth so I don't think I'll use my finger, but maybe I'll do that on top of her z-vibe or something. 

    Thanks for the suggestion! 

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