Autism Diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder Dental care

Overcoming Tooth Brushing Challenges In Children With Autism

Brushing teeth can be a difficult activity for numerous children, particularly for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The sensory sensitivities, challenges in communication, and requirement for routine often linked to autism can render this daily hygiene practice especially challenging. Nonetheless, with patience, comprehension, and appropriate methods, you can assist your child in learning to endure and even appreciate tooth brushing.

This article offers tips to assist children with autism in establishing effective oral hygiene habits and getting ready for regular dental visits. It is often said that practice leads to perfection.

My local Kennewick dentist explained that regularly brushing a child’s teeth is essential for oral health, but certain autistic children and those with sensory sensitivities struggle with this task.

Sensory-Seeking Children

Brushing your child’s teeth may help soothe them when seeking sensory input. Think about using a rotating or electric toothbrush to provide additional stimulation and ensure that every tooth is completely cleaned. Parents might sing a tune such as “This is the Way We Brush Our Teeth” to ensure their child dedicates enough time to brushing their teeth.

Hesitance could stem from the taste of the toothpaste, the sensation in and around their mouth, or a combination of factors for those who avoid sensory experiences. A variety of unflavored toothpaste choices could help kids who worry about flavor.

Tooth brushing Tolerance for Sensory Avoiders

Every child needs to be closely supervised during tooth brushing until they reach the age of 7 or 8. Some children might require parental assistance with brushing their teeth until they are somewhat older. Think about a gradual method for assisting your child in brushing or having their teeth cleaned to enhance their comfort level. When your child is at ease with the earlier step, you can proceed to the following phase in the process.

  • Start by exerting gentle pressure on the back of their head for five seconds, then do this three more times. Perform this three to five times daily, preferably while your child is brushing their teeth.
  • Although most people clean their teeth in the bathroom, you might prefer to do it in another area of the home where your child feels more comfortable.
  • After your child is at ease with pressure on the back of their head, you can enhance the practice by applying pressure to additional areas of the head and face, like beneath the ear and the lower cheekbone, using broad, deep strokes with your hands from the ear down to the chin.
  • With your hands, exert pressure on the upper and lower lips as well as the higher cheeks.
  • Rather than using your hands, replicate the previously mentioned pressure method with a warm washcloth, motivating your child to let you touch their teeth with the cloth.
  • When your child is ok with the washcloth on their teeth, you can now try to use a soft-bristled toothbrush without toothpaste.
  • When your child is now ready, apply a pea size toothpaste on his toothbrush.

It could be helpful to show your child how you brush your teeth or to brush together with them. It’s important to recognize that every child, whether they have ASD or sensory processing difficulties, will have a timeline for learning each skill and gaining confidence in brushing their teeth by themselves.

Getting Ready for Your Dental Visit

Getting children with autism ready for their dental appointment beforehand can greatly help minimize anxiety and facilitate a seamless and efficient visit. Many dentists will allow you to organize visits days or weeks ahead of your planned appointment so that your child feels more comfortable in that setting. Before the appointment, make sure to discuss your child’s particular needs, worries, or problems with the dentist or office personnel.

A visual calendar, often called a social story, can be very helpful in getting children ready for their dental visit. Before proceeding, rehearse each step until your child comprehends it and feels at ease, just as you did with the sensory avoidance process.

Dividing the procedure into smaller, repeatable stages could be beneficial. For instance, you and your child might visit the dentist together, greet the reception staff, sit in the chair without receiving any care, and head home with a gift. This type of gradual exposure might help alleviate anxiety and enhance familiarity.

A Visual Schedule for a Dentist Visit

Below is a visual schedule you can use for a visit to the dentist. Many families consider it helpful to laminate this schedule or separate each phase and attach them with Velcro on a timeline. You can highlight every step with a dry-erase marker and then remove from the timeline once you’ve completed them.

  • Today, we’ll visit the dentist to make sure my teeth and mouth are beautiful, clean, and in good health.
  • Upon entering the clinic, we will provide our names at the front desk, and then engage in games, coloring, or watching TV until our name is called.
  • The hygienist will call my name and guide me to a room featuring various distinctive chairs.
  • The special chair will rotate and tilt back so the dentist can check my teeth.
  • As I sit in the chair, my hands rest on my stomach, with my legs and feet extended straight in front of me.
  • I will open my mouth as wide as possible to enable the Dentist to inspect the inside of my mouth. They will be capable of seeing because there will be a bright light. If it’s too bright, I might request special sunglasses or close my eyes.
  • The dentist will use a special mirror to tally my teeth. It might be slightly itchy.
  • The dentist will capture X-rays, which are distinctive images of my teeth. I might need to sit in a different chair wearing a heavy apron to take these pictures.
  • The dentist will use specialized tools to clean my teeth. They will explain each one to me and show them to me before we use them.
  • I will rinse my mouth in the sink after cleaning my teeth, and the dentist will provide me with a special bag that has a new toothbrush and toothpaste. Upon my departure, I will receive a special gift.

Through proper practice and preparation, routine dental visits for children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory challenges, or general anxiety need not be an uncomfortable or challenging experience.

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