How to plan a trip to the dentist for your autistic child
For many children, visiting their pediatric dentist can feel like an exciting adventure filled with unfamiliar tools, sounds, and sensations. However, for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), these experiences can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety or discomfort that may discourage them from receiving essential dental care. Fortunately, with proper preparation, dental visits can become manageable—and even positive—experience for a child with autism.
The Impact of Autism on Dental Care
Autism is a developmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests, and behavior. While it presents uniquely in each individual, certain common symptoms can create challenges that make it harder for children to receive essential dental care.
Sensory Concerns
Children with autism often experience heightened sensory sensitivities, making everyday sensations feel overwhelming or uncomfortable—especially during a dental visit.
The dental environment is filled with sounds that may cause distress for a child with autism. The high-pitched whir of a dental drill, the suction machine, the chatter of other patients, or even background music can be overstimulating for those with hypersensitive hearing.
Additionally, the tastes, smells, and physical sensations of dental treatments can be challenging. The strong flavor of fluoride or other dental products, along with the antiseptic scent common in healthcare settings, may feel unpleasant or overwhelming to a child with autism.
Challenges with unfamiliar surroundings
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder often thrive on routine and predictability. New environments and unexpected experiences—such as visiting a new dentist or undergoing an unfamiliar procedure—can be challenging for them to navigate.
Struggles with communication
Children with autism may have difficulty communicating their feelings, needs, or discomfort, making it challenging for the dentist to adjust their approach. They may struggle to express when something hurts or feels uncomfortable during a procedure, which can lead to unnecessary distress and make dental care more difficult.
Additionally, many dental procedures require patient cooperation. Instructions like “open wide,” “bite down,” or “turn your head” may be harder for children with autism to understand or follow. They might need extra time to process and respond, making these interactions more challenging.
Tips on preparing your autistic child for their dental visit
Parents of children with autism may feel apprehensive about dental visits due to concerns about sensory overload, disruptions to routine, or potential behavioral challenges. However, with the right preparation, these visits can be more manageable. Here are some strategies to help your child have a successful dental experience:
- Find the Right Pediatric Dentist: It’s important to find a board certified pediatric dentist who has experience in treating a child with autism. A pediatric dentist who is patient and understanding who also has specialized training and can adapt their techniques to accommodate your child’s unique needs.
- Get your child Familiarized: Before the appointment, help your child get comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist. Show them pictures of the office and dentist, or, if possible, schedule a brief visit to the office for a quick tour.
- Use Visual Schedules and Social Stories: Create a step-by-step visual schedule or social story explaining what to expect at the dentist. Using clear, reassuring language can help ease anxiety and build familiarity with the process.
- “Play” Dentist at Home: Role-play a dentist visit at home by gently touching your child’s teeth and mouth with a toothbrush. This can help them become more comfortable with the sensations they’ll experience during the appointment.
- Bring Comfort Items and Sensory Tools: Pack headphones to reduce noise, sunglasses to block bright lights, or a weighted blanket for added comfort. A favorite toy or comfort item can also provide reassurance.
- Sedation Options: If your child experiences severe anxiety or has difficulty sitting still, talk to your child’s pediatric dentist about safe sedation options, such as nitrous oxide and conscious sedation, to help make the visit smoother.
Plan a visual schedule for your child’s dental visit
Here’s a simple visual schedule to help your child understand what to expect during a dental visit:
- Arrival at the Dentist’s Office: We walk into the office and check in at the front desk.
- Reception area: We sit in the reception room. You can read a book, play with a toy, or listen to music while we wait. Show pictures of the dental office, see pics of the Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry office here!
- Meeting the Dentist or Hygienist: A friendly dentist or hygienist will come to greet us. They may wear a white coat and a mask.
- Entering the Dental Room: We follow the dentist into the room. There’s a big chair that moves up and down.
- Sitting in the Dental Chair: You’ll sit in the chair, which may move and make a small noise. If you feel nervous, you can sit on my lap.
- Wearing the Bib: The dentist will gently place a bib around your neck to keep your clothes clean.
- Examining Your Mouth: The dentist will look inside your mouth using a small mirror and a light.
- Cleaning Your Teeth: The hygienist will clean your teeth. It might feel a little tickly.
- Rinsing Your Mouth: After cleaning, you’ll rinse your mouth with water.
- Saying Goodbye: The dentist will say goodbye, and we’ll leave feeling proud of your visit!
Every child with autism is unique, so feel free to modify this schedule based on your child’s specific needs. With patience, practice, and preparation, dental visits can become a smoother and more positive experience.
Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry provides specialized oral health care for patients with autism and other developmental disabilities. As experts in pediatric dentistry, our experienced team is dedicated to working with children of all abilities. We take the time to understand your child’s unique needs, ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease before any treatment begins. Visit us today and see the difference a compassionate, skilled pediatric dentist can make!
Find a dentist who is patient & understanding for your autistic child!
If you have any other questions and/or would like to schedule an appointment for your child, click here or call us: 702-586-4347
Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today: (702)586-4347
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