Share:

Children with autism face unique health and behavioral challenges. For parents, it can be especially difficult to understand a child’s dental needs and how to encourage them to cooperate. In honor of Autism Awareness Month, here are some tips to use both at home and when visiting your pediatric dentist to keep your child comfortable and healthy.

5 Keys to Oral Health for Autistic Children

1. Tools

Toothbrushes are very sensory-stimulating, and many children with autism struggle with using them. Let your child try different kinds of brushes and handles, including electric ones. Keep flossing simple with disposable flossers.

Your child may not let you help brush or put objects in their mouth, so offer visual instructions and demonstrations. Let them watch you brush and floss, and explain your technique frequently.

2. Diet

pediatric dentistOffer a balanced diet of healthy food as often as possible. Give your child opportunities to decide what foods to try and experiment with.

Limit their sugar and acid intake, as these will greatly increase your child’s risk of decay. Keep sugary treats close to meals, since your child’s saliva will already be activated to break down food on their teeth.

3. Fluoride

If your child struggles with proper brushing and flossing, their risk of cavities increases dramatically. Talk to your pediatric dentist about the benefits of fluoride to strengthen your child’s erupted and unerupted teeth.

In-office and at-home uses of prescription-strength toothpaste, oral supplements, and fluoride varnish will increase your child’s resistance to decay and reduce the need for more dental work.

4. Checkups

Be consistent with visits to your pediatric dentist from an early age. This will help your child feel more comfortable and allow you and your dentist to anticipate and prevent many major tooth problems.

5. Preparation

Come early to each appointment and give your child time to explore and get familiar with the office and staff. Schedule time for your child to ask questions and adjust to each transition of the appointment.

Your child is more likely to cooperate during dental appointments when they feel in control. Discuss your child’s expectations for each dental visit. Practice role-plays for different scenarios like X-rays and cleanings. Ask the staff to demonstrate each procedure to your child before they begin.

    The compassionate team at Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage wants to help every child feel safe and in control of their dental health. The dentist and staff are extensively trained to care for children with special needs, both behaviorally and clinically. They provide wheelchair accessibility into and throughout the office, so children can have dental work done in the comfort of their own chairs. See their website for more ways they cater to your child’s needs, and call (907) 274-2525 to schedule an appointment.
tracking