When I was young any mention of a visit to the dentist would create a shiver of horror and fear right across the school yard.

In fact, in my case, there was not a whole bunch to worry about in dental terms.  But for a child with autism this may not be the case.

Having talked to  a lot of parents of children with autism I believe dental care may be more than a bit of a worry.  Firstly there is the task of brushing teeth and then there is the sensory overload of a tip to the dentist itself.  The aim of this blog is to give parents and people with ASD the opportunity to share their tips for great dental hygiene.

 

In the case of our seven year old we have eventually found some solutions but, I have to say, with plenty of hiccups along the way.

In fact cleaning teeth is actually helped by his ASD.  One of his sensory “pressure points” is at the back of his mouth along the gums.  So in fact the act of his cleaning his teeth is not a problem at all.  He rather enjoys it.  What did prove to be a problem was getting him to remember to clean his teeth.    What my wife has done is so simple I have to describe it as an act of genius.  Each evening she and John play a game just before going to bed.  The game?  Cleaning your teeth.  In fact he now reminds us it is time to play “cleaning your teeth”.  There is a song to go with it but I’ll not share it for reasons of aesthetics.

Visits to the dentist on the other hand have proved harder.  But we got lucky.  In a conversation with the local Early Years Centre (who provided a lot of the initial support including PECS training) it was mentioned that one of the local NHS Health Centres has a specialist autism clinic once a week. (I should mention that for reasons totally unknown to me they do not publicise the clinic.)

Actually the practice is not that different from other dentists.  Where it does vary is that a lot of the children’s posters are removed from the walls.  Also the staff have been training in behaviours associated with ASD and know how to help in case of meltdown or over stimulation.  But their real trick is to give plenty of time for John to get used to the surgery.  In fact on his first visit they did not look at his teeth.  Rather they let him play with the safer instruments and go up and down on the chair.  By the end of 30 minutes he was very keen to come back and play some more.

Since then he has had to have a couple of interventions.  Both have gone without issue as he has a social story to look at and the procedure is clearly explained in bit sized chunks and carried out at a speed that meets his need.

And the overall outcome?  His latest ambition is to become a dentist.  Not just a dentist but the first dentist on Mars!

So my real advice to other parents looking for a suitable dentist.  Is google for autism specialist.  They do exist and they are very good.

But over to you.  It would be great if you could use the comments box below to share how you deal with your child’s dental health.  Perhaps you might like to consider some of the following questions:-

a)      Do you have any concerns and challenges with your children dental health and visits to a dentist?

b)      How did you establish a teeth cleaning routine?

c)       What is a typical trip to a dentist like for you?

d)      Do you use a specialist dentist?

e)      What advice would you give to another parent of a child with autism who has similar issues?

I really look forward to reading your responses.

Many thanks in advance.

NikkiZumbachHarken	I actually am working with a Dentist in creating a ‘plan’ to use for ANY ASD children visiting the dentist (including sensory advice, social stories, and gradual appointments)  Would LOVE to share what we are doing.  If you are interested in being a part of what we are doing please email me nicholekea@gmail.com
Tami Kaye	Every morning is a struggle and an argument with my 11 year old son to brush his teeth. I always find it odd because I try to enforce routine and schedule because that is so important. It just seems like after getting up for school for the last 6 years, that routine would have became a natural thing to do. I understand that it is a sensory issue but such a simple thing can disrupt an entire morning for the family. I try not to let it become a power struggle!! I do not want a toothache in that sensory mouth. Been there and done that. We have been pretty lucky with dentists appointments. The exams go well and the results are usually good as well. a few years ago he did have a cavity and a toothache. It was terrible 🙁  I try to use that as a reminder to why it is sooo important to brush. I would love to hear any suggestions or ideas. HELP 🙂
SarahFlores	Yes, I finally broke down and called a pediatric dentist in wichita, we have a consultation schedule for June, it’s 3hrs away from us but in talking to them and looking on their website I think this is going to be the best way to go 🙂
MaryHayden	SarahFlores  Have you tried an incentive or reward? My son, almost 8 now, has a hard time with the dentist. He chooses a reward before hand, something reasonable. He gets that reward if he does well and cooperates for the dentist. I find that a reward system works for my son with most things but the dentist is still a challenge. He also has to know what to expect so we talk about it at least a few days before we go. He usually does a lot better when he knows what’s coming. We use a pediatric dentist, they are good with him. I don’t know if we have any dental programs for ASD or special needs kids in my area.
AmberWilder	My 3 year old son use to hate brushing & flossing his teeth but I kept at it and now he tolerates it but still hates going to the dentist lol.. I started out with him on the ground with his arms under my legs, his head between my thighs and have bite on the end if a toddler toothbrush while I brushed his teeth with a different toothbrush.. He hated it at first but I knew I had to keep at it and eventually he didn’t mind it as much so now I’m able to floss his teeth with little floss picks. When I started flossing I also had him bite on the end of a toddler toothbrush. Now I’m able to floss and brush without having him bite on the end if a toothbrush ( the dentist has a biter stick that helps too). It’s definitely hard at first but once you desensitize them it gets easier. He just had his 2nd visit to the dentist and that was a lot if work but I’m hoping if I keep at it that it will get easier 🙂
Choirgirl64	luciecc One thing that works for my son is instead of using the mirror to open and examine, he uses a toothbrush.  My son is used to opening for the toothbrush and enjoys the sensation, so actually will open very wide for the dentist to have a look.  He won’t let a metal mirror in at all.  Perhaps they should invent a plastic toothbrush looking mirror.  When he needs work, even a cleaning, he is put under anaesthetic at the hospital. That has always gone very well.  We’ve had three of these.  He’s 19 now.
Ymkje Wideman	First Visit to the Dentist I approached my grandson’s first visit to the dentist with some trepidation. When he was little, his Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) made brushing his teeth a daily challenge. Still, with persistence, and experimenting with the brush and toothpaste he liked best, we had settled into a good routine. He would gingerly “brush” a little bit, and I would finish by standing behind him, holding his chin with one hand, and gentle brushing until all his teeth were clean and free from “sugar bugs”. He only tolerated very little toothpaste on his brush, which I’d rub into the bristles with my finger, so he’d hardly see it, because if the gel or paste was atop the bristles he always protested—and he still does. It must be something about the texture or taste that makes it hard for him to handle. I knew his first check-up would include the hygienist brushing his teeth and applying fluoride, so I was concerned it wouldn’t turn into a scene. I researched a bit and found Autism Speaks’ very helpful Dental Tool Kit. You can find and download it here: http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/dental-tool-kit. I called several local dentists before I settled on one who understood and was willing to accommodate my special requests for my grandson’s visit. I emailed and sent information about autism and his needs ahead of our visit, which they read and acknowledged. Just after we arranged the appointment, we happened to visit the local Children’s Museum, which included a “dentist office” with a real chair that went up and down, an X-ray apron, and some of the “tools” a dentist uses. It was perfect visual preparation for his upcoming appointment. I also prepared at home by writing a picture story for Logan, which we went over repeatedly, and which he carried with him to refer to during his check up. The staff was so accommodating, and they really took their time to reassure him and make sure he was comfortable with everything they were going to do during the check up. I’d asked if I could bring his own toothpaste, which they said was fine, and they were careful to show him that they’d just used a little bit. It took a little longer than a regular trip to the dentist might take, but all the preparation paid off, and his first visit was nothing but a pleasant experience for him, paving the way for future successful visits.
SarahFlores	any advice would be great I have to threaten grounding to get him to cooperate for his cleanings and sometimes that doesn’t even work, he is atypical autistic in the grey area between autistic and aspergers, so what works for either side doesn’t necessarily work for him 🙁 next visit they want to do sealants since he turned 8 this year. so looks like I’m in search of a new dentist, it was suggested that I take him to a pediatric dentist….any ideas? he loves brushing his teeth and always reminds me if I forget
DJBlytheII	The first time I took Kaylin to a dentist it was a nightmare. As a single dad, I am usually accused of abusing her after someone sees her meltdown. This is what happened at her first dentist appointment. The dentist pulled me aside and interogated me as if I had been mistreating her. I get this a lot but i never get used to it. Now, I have found a dentist that treats many ASD, SPD, ODD kids and they are awesome! Kaylin just underwent oral surgery and did great. If your in the Denver area, check out Ridgeview Pediatric dentistry at The Orchards shopping center Westminster, CO. Not only did they take good care of my lil girl but they didnt treat me like a bad dad!