Tooth Brushing

Strategies for tooth brushing

Play to introduce teeth brushing

•  Play Doh Doctor Drill ‘N Fill Set
• Dentist Play Set
• Webber Whopper Mouth

Timer apps

• E.g. Youtube ‘Tooth brushing songs’
• Apps such as Disney Magic Timer

Visuals

When needed, using tactile cues (e.g. touching cheek) where the brush needs to go

Adaptive aids

• Electric tooth brushes are most effective when they can be used properly
• The mouthguard or ‘y’ tooth brushes are not yet effective because they are not custom fitted to a user’s mouth-
  • Clinical Oral Investigations (2025) 29:126 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-025-06203-w

For people with fine motor difficulties you might consider

• Built up or alternative handles – examples
• A digital brush or finger brush – note that this is much less effective than using a electric brush properly if possible

References: Taftazani, R. Z., Sitaresmi, Mei Neni,M.D., PhD., Hanindriyo, Lisdrianto, DDS,M.P.H., PhD., & Kuswandari, Sri, DDS,M.S., PhD. (2025). Optimizing oral hygiene for children and adolescents with down syndrome: A scoping review. Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene, 59(2), 133-142. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/optimizing-oral-hygiene-children-adolescents-with/docview/3228852802/se-2

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Discover effective tooth brushing strategies, playful tools, timer apps, visuals, and adaptive aids to support oral hygiene for children and people with motor challenges.