When raising a child with autism, you might find that avoiding certain oral health problems can be challenging. Too often, young individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities are prone to cavities, gum disease, and other similar issues, creating worsening symptoms that can carry with them into adulthood. The good news is that there are steps you can take as their parent to minimize their risk and keep their smiles on track. Read on to discover how you can work alongside a pediatric dentist who is ready to help.
What Kind of Oral Health Problems Can Arise Among Children with Autism?
Children with autism have what is considered to be a neurological/neurodevelopmental disorder. This is most evident when they attempt to engage and interact with others. Some may experience sensory overload or not enough and respond in ways that make it hard for parents to address the issue.
This can be especially true with oral hygiene. When a child with autism does not like the look, feel, taste, or sound of a toothbrush and/or toothpaste, it can keep them from engaging in any form of dental hygiene for days, weeks, months, or even years.
As a result, serious oral health issues can arise such as:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Tooth decay that develops early or late
- Abnormal teeth with regard to their size and shape
- An overgrowth of gum tissue
- Tooth discoloration
- Early, advanced gum disease
How Can You Minimize Your Child’s Risk?
One of the most pivotal steps you can take as a parent is to schedule your child’s next dental appointment with a pediatric dentist who is experienced and trained in offering services to patients with special needs.
When calling to schedule an appointment, it’s best if you alert the dental team to your child’s autism so that they can make special accommodations to ensure their visit is positive and successful.
Other important factors to consider when trying to minimize your child’s risk of dental decay and gum disease include:
- Purchasing appropriate sensory dental tools to help them get accustomed to cleaning their teeth. For example, you might try an electric toothbrush if your child finds sensory items to be intriguing and necessary. You might also think about using a non-electric toothbrush as well as warm water to rinse the mouth if your child does not like the feel or sound.
- Remaining patient, as there is no need to rush the process. Your child deserves ample time to take care of their teeth and gums every morning and each night before bed. You can incorporate a timer as part of the routine so that they know how long to brush.
- Adding a comfort mechanism to the situation can help anyone who struggles with loud noises. Try purchasing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
- Allowing your child to pick out their own toothbrush.
It may still take time when working with your child to improve their oral hygiene habits but with patience and encouragement, you can help them take the next steps toward improved dental health. This will put them on a path to success as they get older.
About the Author
Dr. Asim Awan earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois-College of Dentistry before completing a General Practice Residency in the Department of Oral Surgery at Indiana University. He and his team at Tic Tac Tooth Pediatric Dentistry work closely with parents of children who have special needs to create unique accommodations that are designed to ensure comfort, safety, and success. Contact us via our website or by calling (630) 995-3393 to learn how we can help.