Special Needs: Dentist Visits & Oral Health
Visiting the Dentist With a Child With Autism
As a parent, you want the best for your child's dental health, but visits to the dentist can be a challenge for a child with autism. However, with the right guidance and understanding, you can have a successful trip and leave the dentist knowing your child’s comfort in the office will increase with every check-up. We’ll dive into some of our favorite strategies to help make that first trip easy, educational, and possibly even fun!
Challenges of Dental Care For Children With Autism
Children with autism face unique challenges in their dental visits. Sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, and anxiety of the unknown can all contribute to stress at the dentist’s office—particularly during your child’s first visit. Individuals with autism may experience heightened sensory responses to dental stimuli, making routine dental procedures particularly challenging. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is crucial for creating a comfortable and inclusive dental care environment.
Choose the Right Dentist
When seeking dental care for your child, it's essential to find a dentist who understands their unique needs. A special needs dentist can provide care to individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. These professionals undergo specialized training to accommodate the sensory, communication, and behavioral needs of their patients. Research published in the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry highlights the importance of specialized dental care for children with autism, emphasizing the role of the dentist in creating a positive experience. By choosing a special needs dentist, you can ensure that your child receives the best dental care possible.
Getting Ready For the Dentist
Preparation beforehand is also an important aspect in helping your child feel more at ease during their dental appointment. Start by familiarizing them with things they might see while they’re at the dentist's office and basic dental procedures, like teeth cleaning. Visual supports can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autism, helping to reduce anxiety and increase predictability of dental activities during their visit. Additionally, consider asking your dentist if you can take a trip to the office before your appointment to meet the staff and allow your child to ask any questions they may have. By addressing your child's concerns and giving them the opportunity to practice regulating strategies, you can help encourage them for their dental visit.
Communicate Effectively
Be sure to communicate with the dental team about your child's specific needs, preferences, and any strategies that have been successful in the past. Establishing clear expectations and planning for accommodations can help create a supportive environment for your child. According to a study by Jacobo Limeres-Posse et al. open communication between parents and dental providers is critical for addressing the unique needs of children with autism and promoting positive dental experiences.
Ease Them Into It
For some children with autism, a dental visit can be overwhelming. If your child is feeling anxious about this new change, consider taking a gradual approach to dental care. Start by introducing simple dental activities at home, such as brushing teeth or practicing opening their mouth. Gradually increase the level of exposure and gradually introduce them to the dental office environment. By taking small steps and providing plenty of support and encouragement along the way, you can help your child build confidence and gradually become more comfortable with dental visits.
Different Solutions For Everyone
A successful trip to the dentist is achievable for children on the autism spectrum with the right preparation, support, and understanding. By choosing a special needs dentist, preparing your child effectively, communicating openly with the dental team, and taking a gradual approach to dental care, you can help ensure a positive and comfortable experience for your child.
Works Cited
Casamassimo, P. S., Seale, N. S., Ruehs, K. General dentists’ perceptions of educational and treatment issues affecting access to care for children with special health care needs.
Limeres-Posse et al., Behavioural aspects of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) that affect their dental management