3 Tips To Prevent Stress During Your Autistic Child's Dental Exam
Posted on: 10 September 2015
As a parent, you most likely know the importance of your child's oral health. From healthy teeth and gums to having an appealing smile and high self-esteem, the benefits of proper brushing and regular cleanings at the dentist are easy to see. Unfortunately, certain medical conditions may create stress during your child's dental exam. If your child is part of the 3.5 million Americans who live with a form of autism, you may have seen your child struggle during routine exams.
While common in autistic children, panic, stress, aggression, and tantrums can affect the success of their dental exam and cleaning. Using these tips, you can reduce the stress during your autistic child's dental appointment and ensure they have a healthy, appealing smile.
Visit the Right Dentist
Visiting the same dentist throughout the years is great for autistic children who need consistency, but be sure their dentist has experience with autism. Ask your current dentist if the entire office has knowledge of the disorder and if they have other patients with autism. If not, consider meeting with them periodically to educate them on autism and your child. If they are unwilling to learn, it may be smart to find a different dental professional.
Communicate with your Autistic Child
Mark the upcoming appointment on your child's calendar and spend some time discussing the importance of the exam. Ensure that your autistic child understands the reason behind the appointment and the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Allow your autistic child to ask questions and answer them as honestly as possible. This will prevent any surprises, which can lead to your autistic child showing aggression and having tantrums during the exam.
Considering an estimated 30 to 40 million Americans have a fear of the dentist, dental procedures, or dental tools, speaking positively about your child's upcoming appointment is smart for preventing fear. Avoid using words such as "pain" or "drill," which may result in a negative feeling. Use "discomfort" and "tool" instead.
Practice with your Autistic Child
Your child will need to sit in a certain way in a specific chair during their checkup and cleaning. This will feel new to your autistic child, which may make them nervous and uncomfortable. Thankfully, allowing them to practice at home each day before their appointment can reduce their anxiety during the exam.
Set up a faux dental office in your home using a reclining chair, TV tray, and bright floor lamp. Allow your child to sit in the chair in the reclined position. Fill a folding TV tray with different tools, but be sure they keep their hands on their stomach, preventing them from touching the tray or their own mouth.
Turn the floor lamp on and move the light directly over their face, allowing them to practice closing their eyes to block out the light. Lastly, have them practice opening their mouth and holding it in position for a few minutes at a time.
Preparing your dentist, communicating, and practicing will ensure that your autistic child is ready for their upcoming exam and cleaning. This will reduce the possibility of anger, sadness, and tantrums during your child's routine appointment.
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