Tips to achieve and maintain good oral health
Some children or young people with special educational needs may find looking after their oral health challenging. Many can experience sensory sensitivities and may find the sensation of the brush on their teeth, or the taste or foam of the toothpaste, upsetting. These tips can help children and young people to achieve and maintain good oral health:
- get into a good toothbrushing routine. Brush for two minutes, twice daily. The brush before bedtime is the most important brush of the day
- children should be supported by an adult to brush their teeth so that all surfaces are cleaned
- find a fluoride toothpaste that works for your child or young person. There are a range of flavours such as strawberry, or unflavoured toothpastes available such as Oranurse
- use toothpaste containing 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride, fluoride is the active ingredient that protects teeth
- find a toothbrush that makes brushing fun and easy. For example, one that is their favourite colour/character. There are also 3 headed toothbrushes available that reduce brushing time such as the Dr Barmans or Collis Curve
- if taking medication frequently or long term, choose or request sugar-free medicines if possible
- offer your child low sugar snacks. If your child consumes a food high in sugar, including fruit juice and dried fruits, encourage them to have a drink of milk or water afterwards to flush their mouth
If your child or young person finds it challenging to engage in toothbrushing try the following:
- personalise the experience:let your child or young person pick their toothbrush and toothpaste, giving them a sense of ownership and excitement about brushing
- reward system: create a sticker chart where children can earn stickers each time they brush their teeth. Offer a reward when they reach a specified milestone
- family brushing time:make brushing a family activity where everyone brushes their teeth together
- follow the leader: take turns leading the brushing routine, making it a game where everyone copies the leader
- countdown fun: use a colourful timer or a sand hourglass to make brushing a timed challenge. Or download the Brush DJ app to listen to your favourite songs whilst you brush
- storytelling: use social stories to help children and young people understand why they need to brush their teeth. Read these stories when it is not toothbrushing time
- role play: brush the teeth of your child or young person's favourite toy. They could do this while you brush their teeth, or as a fun game during the day
Support from your dentist and other services
Most children with special educational needs should be able to visit their local dentist. To make their first visits more comfortable, make your dentist aware of your child or young person's needs before your visit and talk to them about:
- having familiarisation visits – your child or young person may benefit from multiple visits before sitting in the chair so that they can get used to the sights, sounds and smells of the clinic
- having a double appointment so that your child or young person's appointment does not feel rushed
- ask the dentist for preventive advice and treatment such as fluoride varnish
For help finding a dentist visit the NHS Find A Dentist website.
For those unable to access their local dentist, your dentist may make a referral to Community Dental Services for treatment.
Community Dental Services provide specialised dental services. These are available in various places to ensure everyone can have access to dental health. Essex Community Dental Services.
Further information from the NHS about dental treatment for people with special needs.