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Judy;
This works with many individuals with down syndrome. Unfortunately, everything in life can not be made pleasant for our children. Even the most sensitive of dentist in which Amelia Ten contends is not conceived as pleasant to our children. The goal for us parents is to accomplish and help nurture our children along in the quickest way possible so they are not restricted in life in the long run. If this isn't handled quickly and the routine isn't set then a parents stand the chance of their children losing their permenant teeth. No parent wants to see that happen.
It is the same thing with "potty training". No parent wants to be changing their sons or daughters diapers or adult under garments when they are teens or adults. Sometimes love is tough and we parents who have been through it, know it.
Our children are in the least restrictive environments because we had to be tough manipulators. Most, not all; of our children are individuals or routine. It is up to us parents to get them into these routines concerning ADL ASAP. The longer you wait the more the family unit is restricted.
Walking is another example of this. the sooner your child is up and walking the quicker the family can travel from one place to another without restriction. It is not easy, Us parents with adult children with down syndrome know it. We been there, we see both sides on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. We pretty much know what works and what doesn't since our children are adults. We don't want you making mistakes that we have.
Tough love is not easy;
Mike
--- On Tue, 7/7/09, Amelia Ten <msamelia10@yahoo. com> wrote:
From: Amelia Ten <msamelia10@yahoo. com>
Subject: Re: [down_syndrome] Brushing teeth
To: down_syndrome@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 11:13 PM
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Dear Judy,
While I agree with Mike that all children with Down syndrome are different, I heartily disagree with the negative approach he proposes. Setting up a child, family and dentist to make dental visits more unpleasant than they are already is counterproductive. Any good pediatric dentist bends over backwards to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
Given his oral sensitivity, I wonder if your child may have some sensory integration issues. This doesn't sound behavioral to me. Do you have an Occupational or Speech Therapist working with him? If so, you may wish to discuss this with them. They may have some suggestions such as a Nuk brush to "settle down" the sensory issues. If not, you may wish to consider some calming tea such as Chamomile before tooth brushing time. Cheek stroking also increases the muscle tone of the face and helps diminish the sensory stuff. If nothing else, the Xylitol gum (just look for any sugarless gum) has proved effective in increasing saliva production and reducing cavities.
Good luck,
Caroline
--- On Sun, 7/5/09, mike noe <zips12001@yahoo. com> wrote:
From: mike noe <zips12001@yahoo. com>
Subject: Re: [down_syndrome] Brushing teeth
To: down_syndrome@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2009, 6:35 AM
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Amelia Ten;
You must not forget... Not all children with down syndrome are the same. That is why they are children and individuals with down syndrome. The prior suggestion is one that works with many children and individuals with down syndrome.
Mike
--- On Sun, 7/5/09, Amelia Ten <msamelia10@yahoo. com> wrote:
From: Amelia Ten <msamelia10@yahoo. com>
Subject: Re: [down_syndrome] Brushing teeth
To: down_syndrome@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2009, 1:15 AM
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Given that he has been to the dentist 3 times, I don't see that as the answer. I wouldn't sweat it. Give him gum that contains xylitol...it helps with dental health. I would also hold favored activities hostage until the teeth are brushed.
Good luck,
Caroline (whose hands are filled with cactus stuff because Christopher crashed his bike into some kind of cactus....thank goodness HE has a high pain threshold... my hands hurt)
--- On Sat, 7/4/09, mike noe <zips12001@yahoo. com> wrote:
From: mike noe <zips12001@yahoo. com>
Subject: Re: [down_syndrome] Brushing teeth
To: down_syndrome@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2009, 7:43 PM
Take him to the dentist and after he sees that he really does not like it then remind him that you will have to go to the dentist more often if he does not brush his teeth. It works
--- On Thu, 7/2/09, Judy Robinson <judyrhome@yahoo. com> wrote:
From: Judy Robinson <judyrhome@yahoo. com>
Subject: [down_syndrome] Brushing teeth
To: DownSyndromeInfoExc hange@yahoogroup s.com, "down_syndrome" <down_syndrome@ yahoogroups. com>, "downsyndrome" <downsyndrome@ yahoogroups. com>, "Downsyndrome_ Families" <Downsyndrome_ Families@ yahoogroups. com>
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 5:58 PM
Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get my 4 year old to brush his teeth? He absolutely hates it and it has become such a battle. We've tried getting "special" toothbrushes, let him brush mommy or daddy's teeth (not interested), tried praise, etc. He screams when I try to brush his teeth. He's been to the dentist 3x and doesn't have cavities. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Judy
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