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It is important to note that the TEA has no cure. However, with an early intervention and appropriate support, people with this condition can significantly improve their quality of life and develop their skills. Each person with ASD has unique strengths and talents, so support must be personalized and adjusted to their specific needs.
The importance of brushing in children with ASD
Dr. Bezaleel Joaquín, a specialist in General Dentistry, Orthodontics and Maxillary Orthopedics, highlights the relevance of dental care in children with ASD. Beyond oral hygiene, this care is essential to prevent more serious problems that can affect the general health of the child.
Children with ASD usually face challenges in oral hygiene due to their sensory sensitivity, resistance to unknown routines and, in some cases, difficulties in understanding the need for brushing. However, with personalized strategies and a structured approach, parents can overcome these challenges and establish an effective routine.
How to face resistance to brushing children with ASD
Children with ASD usually show rejection of brushing for various reasons, such as sensory hypersensibilities to the brush touch or taste of toothpaste. In addition, anxiety caused by a new or unknown activity can intensify this resistance.
In many cases, parents, when facing crying or negative by the child, choose to avoid brushing, which generates accumulation of bacterial plaque and dental problems such as caries, tartar or inflammation of gums.
According to the doctor, inadequate oral hygiene not only affects dental health, but can also have repercussions on general health. Infections derived from excessive accumulation of bacteria can spread to the rest of the body, affecting internal organs and compromising the child's well -being.
Some strategies to improve brushing
Bezaleel recommends a series of strategies to help parents establish brushing habits in children with ASD.
These include: • Select the appropriate materials: use dental brushes with small heads and soft bristles, adapted to the child's age.
• Flavor pasta: offers toothpaste with a flavor you like (without fluoride, if the child tends to swallow it).
• Create a predictable routine: establish fixed schedules for brushing, such as meals and before sleeping.
• Use visual aid, such as schedules or pictograms, showing the steps of brushing clearly.
• Incorporate timers to indicate brushing duration and maintain constant routine.
• Involve the child in the process: allow the child to choose his brush with colors or designs that are attractive.
• Enter the brush as a toy for the child to explore it before using it to clean the teeth.
• Support with sensory techniques: use soothing pressure by placing a hand on the child's shoulder during brushing.
• Try different textures and brush movements to identify what the child tolerate better.
• Positive reinforcement: congratulate the child for each little advance, even celebrating attempts to cooperate.