Navigating Oral Sensory Issues: Essential Products for Special Needs Parents

As a parent of a child with special needs, I understand firsthand the challenges of managing oral sensory issues. These issues can manifest in various ways, including hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to textures, tastes, and temperatures. Finding the right tools and products can make a significant difference in our children's daily lives, helping them eat comfortably and maintain oral hygiene without distress. Here, I will share some of the products that have been game-changers for us and might benefit your family as well.

1. Chewelry and Chewable Toys

Chewelry, or chewable jewelry, is designed specifically for children who need oral stimulation. These products are made from safe, non-toxic materials and come in various shapes, sizes, and textures. Chewelry can help children who seek oral input to stay focused and calm. It also provides a safe and appropriate outlet for chewing, which can reduce the likelihood of chewing on non-food items.

Our Favorites:

• ARK Textured Grabber® XXT Super Tough Sensory P Chew for Kids This chewable tool is a great starting point. Its handle makes it easy for little hands to hold, and it comes in different levels of toughness.

• Chew Necklaces for Sensory Kids, Silicone Chewy NecklaceThese products are designed to look like regular jewelry, making them discreet and appealing for older children.

2. Textured Utensils

Eating can be a daunting task for children with oral sensory issues. Textured utensils can provide the sensory input needed to help them manage different food textures better. These utensils can make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable.

Our Favorites:

• Frida Baby Training Toothbrush | Toddler Toothbrush Triple-Angle Bristles, Stay-Put Suction Cup, Easy-Grip Silicone Handle

• Teething Sticks for Babies 0-36 Months INSTANT TEETHING RELIEF - Bebecan's premium toddler teether soothes and calms your baby's discomfort. Its unique textured design targets pressure points on the gums, the best baby teething tubes. Immediate comfort, no compromises 

3. Vibrating Oral Tools

Vibrating oral tools can be very effective in helping children with oral sensory issues. The vibration provides additional sensory input, which can be calming and can help with oral motor development.

Our Favorites:

• Gafly Therapens Oral Motor Therapy Tools Stimulate Speech and Feeding Chewy Vibe Speech Therapy Toys Help Kids with Sensory Needs Chew & Relax - Oral Stimulator Kit

• Oral-B Pulsar, Battery Powered 3D White Advanced Vivid Soft Toothbrush Twin Pack, Tooth Brush Pack VIBRATING BRISTLES: Experience the Oral-B toothbrush pack with vibrating bristles that polish and massage your teeth for a deep clean. 

4. Specialized Cups and Straws

Drinking from a regular cup or straw can be challenging for children with oral sensory issues. Specialized cups and straws can help them develop the necessary skills while providing the sensory input they need.

Our Favorites:

• Re-Play Soft Spout Cups: These cups have a soft spout that is gentle on sensitive mouths and are designed to minimize spills.

• TalkTools Honey Bear Drinking Cup: TalkTools Honey Bear Straw Cup for Babies - BPA-Free, Food-Grade Therapy Sippy Bottles for Spee.ch and Feeding Training

5. Oral Motor Exercise Tools

Regular oral motor exercises can be beneficial for children with oral sensory issues. These exercises can help improve their ability to chew, swallow, and speak. Tools designed specifically for oral motor exercises can make this process more effective and engaging.

Our Favorites:

• TalkTools Horn Kit | Oral Motor Placement Therapy Companies like TalkTools offer a variety of tools designed for oral motor exercises. These tools can help improve strength, coordination, and sensory processing in the mouth.

• TOP BRIGHT 3-in-1 Montessori Toy for Toddler with Whistle, Ball Blowing, Floating Blow Pipe Balls – Sensory Baby Toy Toys that encourage blowing, such as whistles or bubbles, can help strengthen oral muscles and improve sensory processing.

6. Sensory-Friendly Snacks

Finding the right snacks can make a big difference for children with oral sensory issues. Sensory-friendly snacks that are either very crunchy or very soft can provide the necessary sensory input while being easier to manage.

Our Favorites:

• Sensible Portions Veggie Straws, Sea Salt Flavor, Gluten-Free Chips These are crunchy and come in different flavors, making them appealing to children who need crunchy textures.

• NutriBullet NBY-50100 Baby Complete Food-Making System Being able to create baby food specific to your child's texture needs is important. The NutriBullet allows you to create baby and toddler food with nutritious ingredients. These are great for children who prefer softer textures and can be a healthy and convenient option.

7. Adaptive Eating Tools

Adaptive eating tools are designed to make mealtime more accessible and less frustrating for children with oral sensory issues. These tools can include special plates, bowls, and utensils that are easier to use and handle.

Our Favorites:

• Munchkin® Spotless™ Silicone Placemats for Kids, 2 Pack, Blue/Green Raised edge helps contain messes and spillsThin design rolls up for easy portability; Great for use in restaurants or on the go Grippy bottom clings to most smooth, non-porous surfaces to help prevent sliding

• Munchkin® Raise™ Toddler Fork and Spoon Utensil Set, Rest Keeps Tip Off Table BPA Free, 6 Pack, Blue Toddler utensil set contains 2 forks and 2 spoons Base keeps utensil tips off tables and other surfaces Ergonomic design fits toddler's hands Flatware picks up food with ease

Maintaining oral hygiene can be particularly challenging for children with oral sensory issues. Finding the right toothbrush and toothpaste can make this daily task more manageable.

Our Favorites:

• Toms of Maine Silly Strawberry Toothpaste: This toothpaste has a mild flavor and is free from artificial sweeteners and dyes, making it a good choice for sensitive children.

• Frida Baby Triple-Angle Toothhugger Training Toddler Toothbrush | Toddler Toothbrush 2 Years and Up, Cleans All Sides at Once This toothbrush has bristles on all sides, making it easier to thoroughly clean teeth with minimal discomfort.

Conclusion

Navigating oral sensory issues as a special needs parent requires patience, understanding, and the right tools. Each child is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your family. The products mentioned above have been incredibly helpful in our journey, and I hope they can provide the same support for you and your child. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and communities out there to support you every step of the way. Keep advocating for your child, and celebrate every small victory along the way.

A Little Note: The product links I share are not affiliate links. They’re simply resources I’ve used with my own family, in my classroom, or in my work—and I’m sharing them because they’ve truly helped us grow and learn.