Dental Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The bright lights, loud sounds and unusual smells at the dentist can be overwhelming for a child with autism and your little one may struggle to understand what is happening. Here are some of the main challenges that they can face:

A Need for Routine

We know that children with autism like to stick to a routine, so a trip to an unfamiliar place like the dentist can cause distress.

Communication Difficulties

Children with autism may become stressed as they struggle to understand what is happening nor be able to communicate their feelings.

Hypersensitivity

Many children with autism are sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds, unfamiliar sensations, and strange tastes and smells, which can make a trip to the dentist an unsettling experience.

Importance of Dental Care for Children With Autism

Youngsters on the autism spectrum can require special care when it comes to their teeth because of unique dental challenges. They include:

Teeth Brushing

Some children with autism don’t like the taste of toothpaste or the feeling of brushing or flossing their teeth, but not cleaning their teeth at least twice a day will increase their risk of tooth decay.

Chewing and Grinding

Children with autism could be more likely to develop issues with the shape of their teeth if they frequently chew on objects, grind their teeth or have suffered injuries to their mouth.

Medication

Some commonly prescribed medications for autism can impact teeth if they cause dry mouth or reduced saliva production.

What to Do When Bringing Your Child to the Dentist

There are many ways to make a dental appointment less stressful for your little one, here are some of our recommendations:

Communicate with Your Dentist

It’s a good idea to communicate your child’s needs with your dentist so that we can create the most comfortable environment possible.

Ease Them In

Introduce the concept of dental care to your child slowly. You could start by speaking to them before their appointment in a calm and positive way to prepare them for what’s to come. 

You could also help them to understand by using visual aids like picture books or videos, or perhaps acting out a dental appointment at home.

Comfort Items

It’s a good idea to bring your child’s favourite items along to help put them at ease and keep them still during their appointment. These could include anything from weighted blankets to cuddly toys.

Be Supportive

During your child’s appointment, it’s ok to stay close to them and hold their hand. You can also offer words of encouragement and reward them for doing such a good job.

Headphones

You could consider giving your child headphones or earplugs to reduce background noise. We can also dim the lights or arrange your child’s appointment during quieter times.

How to Care For Your Child’s Teeth at Home

Here are a few simple and effective tips to make dental care at home easier:

• Brush your child’s teeth at the same time every day
• Create a calm environment
• Use positive reinforcement
• Try three-sided tooth brushes or flavourless toothpaste
• Consider dental guards for teeth grinding or chewing

You can ask your dentist for specific recommendations based on your child’s unique needs.

At Riverina Dental, we understand how daunting a dentist appointment can be for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We provide a safe and calm environment to put your little one at ease and can make necessary adjustments to ensure the most comfortable experience possible.

Contact us by calling 02 6021 3848 or fill out the form at the top of this page to learn more about how we can accommodate children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).