Having A Successful Dental Visit With A Child With Autism
A dental visit for a child with autism can be intimidating, which is why our pediatric dentists are trained to care for children on the autism spectrum. We know that every child is unique and our team works diligently to treat each patient with personalized care. Our ultimate goal is to get to know your child, adapt to their needs, and continue seeing them for years to come.
How To Prepare Your Child For A Successful Dental Checkup
Before your child comes in for their dental checkup, there are a variety of things you can do to help them prepare to have a successful visit. These small steps help set the stage for a positive experience at the dentist by what we call desensitization. This will help prepare them for the sights and sounds they’ll experience during a dental visit. Having a consistent dental routine at home will also likely reduce the time of your dental appointments and lower the risk of oral health problems in the future.
Book Your Child’s Dental Checkup As Young As Possible Did you know that kids are supposed to have their first dental checkup by the age of one? This is especially important for children with autism since they are at a higher risk of developing cavities! A few factors that could increase your child’s level of risk for cavities are the amount of carbohydrates and sugars in their diet, as well as their oral hygiene routine at home.
Have a Consistent Dental Routine at Home Brushing your child’s teeth at home twice a day for two minutes is essential to helping your child get used to the ‘brushing sensation’ on their teeth.This way, it’s not a shock at their dental appointment. Before bed, use a manual toothbrush and let them go at their own pace. Make sure you’re using an age-appropriate toothbrush to ensure that it’s comfortable in their mouth. Each child has different levels of sensory tolerance. Some kids don’t mind the feeling or the noise of an electric toothbrush.