Tooth Brushing and Down Syndrome

Tooth Brushing and Down Syndrome

Children with Down Syndrome sometimes have great difficulty tolerating anything (such as a toothbrush, someone’s finger, etc.) being placed in their mouths. Therefore it is important to begin some type of preparation for tooth brushing early on.

Daily brushing (and flossing when your child is old enough) is an important step to maintaining a healthy mouth. This applies to both children and adults with Down Syndrome.

Helpful Tips for Stress Free Tooth Brushing:

• Location: You don’t necessarily have to brush your baby’s teeth in the bathroom. Try doing it while she is in her highchair, or sitting in someone’s lap, or any other place you think it might work. Just have whatever supplies (toothbrush, cup or water, toothpaste, washcloth, bowl, etc.)you may need within easy reach.
• Demonstrate: Demonstrate the process on yourself. You might want to think about letting your child watch you brush your teeth at least once a day, before she even has any teeth. This will at least help familiarize her with the whole thing a little.
• Practice: Before your baby has teeth, let her hold her toothbrush while you are brushing your teeth. Make sure she does not jam it down her throat though.
• PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE: Praise your child exuberantly when she cooperates. At this young age most kids still like pleasing their parents!
• Routine: Many children with Down Syndrome thrive on routine. Brush your baby’s teeth at the same time, in the same place, using the same routine every time! ( I have to admit though, I am guilty of not following this one)I have noticed though that there are certain things that just have t occur every day or /Sam will be much less cooperative.
• Be Playful: Make it a game if it helps. Tell your child she is a lion, and you want her to roar as big as she can. Let her know you will be brushing the lion’s teeth so he can have nice teeth.
• Distraction: Sometimes it helps to give your baby a favorite toy to play with while you are brushing. It could be anything really, a special toy reserved for tooth brushing time, something she ordinarily would not get to play with (nothing dangerous though), a favorite toy or animal…

Postioning: Try standing behind your child for tooth brushing. It gives you the advantage of being more in control of her movements and positioning. It also helps teach tooth brushing, because you are demonstrating the natural position in which it’s done.





Make sure your child is seen at least once a year by a dentist. Regular check ups are an important part of maintaining a healthy mouth!He/she can also give you more information about tooth brushing and Down Syndrome.Hopefully, with theses tips you and your child will be well on the way to excellent oral health! If none of these ideas work talk to your dentist, he or she may have some other ideas.

References for Tooth Brushing and Down Syndrome:

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

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