Beyond the Brush: Therapist-Recommended Tools for Oral Health & Sensory Success

Welcome to the final installment of our three-part series on therapist-recommended tools! We’ve already covered mealtime success and the best shoes for first steps. Today, we are diving into a topic that can be a major hurdle for parents of children with developmental challenges: oral health, sensory development, and feeding issues. At RISE Pediatric Therapies, our feeding therapy is designed to support your child’s oral health and sensory success. We’ve carefully selected a range of oral health tools that can make a world of difference in your child’s day-to-day life.

Key Takeaways

• Oral health tools can support feeding therapy, aid sensory development, and establish good dental habits.
• Specific toothbrush designs can make brushing more comfortable and effective for children with sensory sensitivities.
• Choosing the right teether can promote oral development and provide sensory relief.
• Our therapists can provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s unique needs.

How Can the Right Toothbrush Enhance Feeding Therapy?

Brushing the teeth is not just about maintaining oral hygiene; it’s also a sensory experience. The feel of the bristles, the vibration of the brush, even the angle of brushing – all can impact a child’s comfort and acceptance of this daily routine. That’s why we recommend toothbrushes designed with sensory needs in mind, like those with multiple angles for comprehensive cleaning and comfort, or rechargeable sonic brushes that can provide a gentle yet thorough clean.

Fridababy Triple Angle Toothhugger: This is a game-changer for kids who want to finish brushing as quickly as possible. The unique brush head has bristles that hug all three sides of the teeth at once, ensuring a deep clean in a fraction of the time.

Papablic Kids Sonic Rechargeable Toothbrush: For children who benefit from vibration (proprioceptive input), a sonic brush can be very calming. The gentle pulses help break up plaque without requiring the child to have perfect manual scrubbing technique.

MAM Baby’s First Toothbrush: This brush features an extra-long handle, allowing parents and babies to hold it together. It’s perfect for teaching the “hand-over-hand” motion needed for independent brushing later on.

Why Are Teethers Important in Oral Development?

Teethers are more than just relief tools for teething babies. They play a crucial role in oral motor development, helping to strengthen jaw muscles, stimulate tongue movement, and promote healthy chewing habits. Our therapists often recommend teethers with textural variety for sensory stimulation, or those made from soft, chewable silicone to soothe and engage your child.

Zoli Chubby Gummy Teether: This teether is designed with a “shield” to prevent gagging while allowing the child to reach their back molars. The nubs provide great tactile feedback for children who are sensory-seekers.

Ezpz Oral Development Tools: These tools are specifically designed by specialists to support the various stages of oral development. They help children practice “biting and chewing” patterns which are foundational for transitioning to solid foods.

Comotomo Silicone Teether: Designed to mimic baby fingers, this teether is easy to grab and provides a safe way for infants to satisfy their natural sucking and chewing instincts without the risk of choking.

What Is the Role of Feeding Therapy in Oral Motor Health

Feeding therapy plays a crucial role in improving both oral motor health and sensory processing in children. This specialized therapy involves an array of techniques and tools designed to enhance chewing and swallowing skills, reduce food aversions, and increase oral motor strength. It’s a process that involves more than just feeding – it’s about developing a healthier, more positive relationship with food.

For instance, a feeding therapist might introduce textured spoons to a child averse to certain food textures. These spoons, designed with ridges or bumps, can gradually desensitize the child’s oral sensory system, making mealtime less stressful. This practice can be incorporated at home, helping the child become accustomed to varied textures in a familiar, comfortable environment.

How Can Our Pediatric Therapists Assist with Your Child’s Development?

At RISE Pediatric Therapies, we believe that mealtime should be a time of connection, not stress. If your child struggles with oral aversions, feeding difficulties, or speech delays, our multidisciplinary teams provide expert feeding therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy tailored to their specific sensory and physical needs.

 Whether you are looking for support in Idaho, seeking infant development guidance in Arizona, or searching for a specialist in Florida, our therapists are ready to help your child thrive. Contact us today – we’re excited to work with you and your child.