In the Know for You to Know

Going to the Dentist is hard. For parents whose child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) it is especially difficult.

What is important to know is that dental care and oral hygiene routines may go very slowly at first. Over time, and with compassion, patience and determination at home and in the pediatric dental office achieving positive results is possible and can bring invaluable rewards for your child and you.

ASD is complex and individual. There can also be associated medical issues that your family is dealing with and need to be taken into consideration.

Some children are distant and detached from people and their surroundings, and may or may not be verbal. Other children may have repetitive routines and behaviors, unpredictable body movements, or self-injurious behaviors. There are some children who have sensory, taste and/or texture sensitivities. Any of these behaviors can complicate dental care and establishing oral hygiene routines.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on challenges and strategies to help you help your child achieve successful dental care in the office.

Challenges And Strategies For Dental Care

Pediatric dental offices have all the bells and whistles for making going to the dentist fun. However they still have bright lights, loud noises and unfamiliar sights, smells and tastes.

Dental visits and procedures can be difficult for children with ASD who are sensitive to strong smells, tastes, and textures, or can not tolerate people or objects near their ears, face and mouth.

Strategies For Making Dental Visits Successful

• Call the office ahead of your visit to discuss your child’s medical history, needs and preferences. Ask if you can tour the office with your child before their appointment.
• While you’re on the phone or during the tour, ask if the office has or if you can bring noise-canceling headphones, a weighted blanket, or sunglasses, You can also ask if your child can listen to music or watch a movie. It’s okay to ask if it would be possible to turn off the fluorescent ceiling lights in the treatment room, and/or have limited talking during the dental procedure. If your child has self-soothing or a repetitive routine when they’re in a new environment remember to let the office know.
• Some children with ASD may benefit from a gradual introduction to each step over multiple successive visits, rather than trying to accomplish everything at once. You can also ask the office if they offer introduction or “desensitization” visits to help prepare for your child for their first visit, their cleaning appointment or their dental procedure.
• Tell your child ahead of time they are going to the dentist.
• Read a social story about going to the dentist or create a story board about going to the dentist.
• Read a book about going to the dentist. Some of our favorites are —Just Going To The Dentist by Mercer Mayer, The Berenstain Bears Visit The Dentist, Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig), Dora Goes To The Dentist.
• Role play a dentist visit at home – You can put on disposable gloves, let your child touch them when they’re on your hands so they get the feel of the gloves’ texture, and practice looking in their mouth and counting their teeth. You can also do this with their toys.
• Encourage your child and and do something fun as a reward for success at the end of the visit. (just not sweets or candy). This gives them positive reinforcement and associates the visit with something happy and something to look forward to.
• Always be positive when talking about the dentist and their upcoming appointments.

A Pediatric Dentist’s Experience Treating A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

As a pediatric dentist it is a pleasure and privilege to treat all children. The greatest compliment I can receive is when a parent entrusts me with the dental care and treatment for their child.

I would like to tell you about a patient of mine who has ASD. This child is amazing in the office now but our dental journey did not start out that way 4+ years ago. For this child’s parents it was agonizing, hair pulling, tearful, disappointing, painful and frustrating. What worked once didn’t always work twice. Each time we regrouped and eked forward. Today I’m happy to say that this child is incredible for their dental appointments, and I am so proud for this family.

What To Remember

Pack your patience. It may take a while to get to where you want to be. When you get there it will be so worth it!

Stay Tuned — We’re looking forward to seeing you next week when we discuss Challenges And Strategies For Your At Home Care.

Does your child have ASD? What are your dental visit challenges? What are your tips for dental visits? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!