Strategies to decrease oral sensitivity!
Kids often show resistance to tasks like tooth brushing, dental visits and trying new foods due to oral sensitivity! Here are some simple strategies to incorporate into your child’s day to increase tolerance to everyday oral activities!
1. Vibrating tooth brush. Your child may show greater tolerance to tooth brushing when using a vibrating tooth brush. It is also a nice tool to decrease sensitivity and can be used inside and outside his/her mouth to accomplish this!
2. Washcloth tug-o-war. During face and hand washing, encourage your child to bite on his/her wet washcloth with his/her molars. Then give him/her little washcloth tugs while they bite down on the washcloth. Have your child suck out the water from the washcloth while biting down.
3. Incorporate firm touch to your child’s jaw, cheeks and lips during play as often as possible throughout the day.
4. Choose snacks that are chewy, crunchy or have intense flavors. Such snacks provide a POW for your child’s mouth that improves his/her oral awareness.
5. Encourage your child to make silly sounds with his/her mouth, blow on whistles or suck through a straw! Sometimes snacks like pudding, applesauce or a thick milkshake through a straw can be a fun and effective activity to address sensitivity.
