Tackling Toothbrushing

Halloween is just around the corner which can only mean one thing… CANDY CANDY CANDY!

One of the most challenging situations for parents with children on the spectrum is the dreaded visit to the dentist. Stories from parents often sound like a Halloween tale of terror: biting and screaming with parents having to hold down their children all whilst water spraying down on everyone. Time and time again, parents have described dental visits as a nightmare.

Some studies have indicated that dental disease is more prevalent in children with autism due to a lack of self-help skills or sensory issues associated the feel and taste of teeth-brushing. This can often lead to behavioral problems like those described above and more. Here are some tips to improve your child’s dental health and hopefully avoid frequent trips to the dentist.

TRY DIFFERENT METHODS

A quick search on Amazon will generate different types of toothbrushes that may be more suited to your child’s needs. A three-sided toothbrush? U-shaped toothbrush? Electric singing toothbrush? Extra-soft bristled toothbrush? Teeth-brushing doesn’t have to be a “one-size fits all” scenario!

PRACTICE

Invest a few bucks into purchasing a dental mirror and role-play "going to the dentist". Have your child practice laying back with their mouth open while you use the dental mirror to inspect their mouths. Start off slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you are inspecting their mouth. You can also practice using a hand gesture so that your child can indicate they need a break while someone may be working in their mouth.

USE VISUALS

Children often learn best with visuals and modeling. Practice oral hygiene routines with a visual present that shows each section of the teeth that needs to be brushed. If your child isn’t brushing long enough, try having them brush along to a song or with a timer so they know exactly when to stop. You can also try showing videos of other children brushing their teeth and have your child follow along.

REINFORCEMENT

Make sure to reward your child for practicing good oral hygiene. Use statements like “First brush your teeth, then we can go to the park”. Honor your child’s request to take a break if they ask appropriately as to avoid making this task aversive. Associate teeth-brushing as a positive experience by providing plenty of reinforcement, but maybe not sweet treats.

For those times when visits to the dentist are unavoidable, call ahead to discuss your child’s specific needs. This may include listening to music, noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, watching a video, a weighted blanket or vest, or visuals.

Below are some dentists specialized in working with the special-needs population in Massachusetts!

·????????Bubble Dentistry (Newton)

·????????Triangle Family Dental (Amherst)

·????????Tufts Dental Facilities (Multiple Locations)

·????????The Pediatric Dental Group (Franklin and Milford)

·????????Dentistry for Children (Weymouth)

·????????Simply Pediatric Dentistry (Randolph)

·????????The Medford Center for Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry (Medford)

·????????Smiles Pediatric Dentistry (Quincy)

·????????Chestnut Dental (Bedford, Needham, and Franklin)

·????????Andover Pediatric Dentistry (Andover)

·????????Dr. Kallen Hull (Reading)

·????????Dr. Teddi Olszewski (Northhampton)?