Autism and your child’s first dental appointment

Autism affects 1 in 68 children in the U.S. As a pediatric dentist, I see many children who have Autism. A simple dental appointment can be stressful for any child, especially a child with Autism. They tend to be sensitive to both light and sounds so getting them use to the dental environment often requires multiple appointments.

My goal is to help make your child feel as comfortable as possible in our office. This video is a great one to watch to prepare your child for their first dental visit.

Tips:

  • Let your dental office know you have a child diagnosed with autism. Note any habits we need to be aware of. Request a quite , enclosed operatory for their first visit
  • Show them photos of our office and staff prior to their appointment.
  • Practice having your child open their mouth for five seconds at a time
  • Practice using a plastic dental mirror at home. If you do not have one, you can always come by our office to pick one up prior to your child’s appointment
  • If your child is use to a manual toothbrush and you want to be advantageous, try transitioning to an electric toothbrush. Some patient with autism surprisingly enjoy the sensations from an electric toothbrush.

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