With World Autism Month coming up in April every year, it is important to be aware of the difficulties that the child with autism has when attending the dentist.
Most people don’t revel in going to the dentist and for children with autism, it can be more challenging again! Everything about attending the dentist can be anxiety -inducing ; from the sounds, to the smells, to the lights! Our dentist Dr Jennifer Collins has written many articles and social stories to help educate dentist, autistic people and their parents and carers on how to cope with the dental apt. Here is a link to an article she wrote for dentists in the Journal of the Irish Dental Association - scroll to page 31!
Here's a list of my top tips to help the child with autism prepare for their dental visit!
1. Inform the practice ahead of the dental appointment of the needs and wants of the child. This is of paramount importance and allows the dental team to ensure the most comfortable experience possible for the child, and their families or carer. The dental surgery can be adapted for their needs i.e. music can be turned down, waiting times can be kept to a minimum, noises can be reduced and lights can be dimmed. Most dental teams are trained in how to deal with children with autism and will be more than happy to help where possible!
2. Go through a dental social story with the child in advance of the dental visit. (link …..) These can be a useful tool to aid the child’s understanding what will happen during the appointment from when they first arrive right through until when they leave.
Below is a Dental Social Story for people with autism to use ahead of their dental appointment!
3. Look at the dental practice’s website and show photos of the dental team to the child to help them visualise who they will be meeting. Many practices have a virtual tour of the surgery. All these visual tools can be very helpful for the child with autism.
4.Going through the sequence of events of the dental appointment at home in advance of the appointment can make the experience far less daunting for all involved! Plastic dental mirrors and plastic gloves can be purchased in most pharmacies or online and can be used on the child to help desensitize them in advance of their dental appointment.
5. Help minimize the need for the dental treatment by brushing teeth 2 times a day for 2 minutes. Use a Dr Barmans toothbrush or Oranurse unflavoured toothpaste if there is an aversion to flavoured toothpaste.
Preparing your child for their dental appointment and advising the dental practice in advance are key to the success of the dental visit for the child with autism. Following these simple steps will help make the autistic child’s dental appointment a resounding success!
For more information, contact Dr Jennifer Collins at Northumberland Dental Care, www.nidm.ie, 016688441
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