Strategies for Parents: Helping Autistic Children Overcome Dental Hygiene Difficulties

Maintaining good dental hygiene is important for everyone, but for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be particularly challenging. Sensory issues, communication difficulties, and anxiety can all make it difficult for autistic children to develop good dental hygiene habits. However, with the right strategies, parents can help their children overcome these challenges and develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Understanding the unique challenges that autistic children face in maintaining good oral health is critical for childrens dentists Orpington and other dental professionals.

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Here are some strategies for parents to help autistic children overcome dental hygiene difficulties.

Start Early


Early intervention is key when it comes to helping autistic children develop good dental hygiene habits. Parents should start introducing dental hygiene routines as early as possible. This can include cleaning a baby's gums with a damp cloth after feedings, or brushing a child's teeth as soon as they start to appear.


Starting early can help children with ASD become accustomed to the sensations and routines of dental hygiene. It can also help them develop good habits that will last into adulthood.

Use Visual Aids


Many autistic children are visual learners. Using visual aids, such as pictures, videos, or social stories, can help them understand and anticipate the dental hygiene routine. Parents can create a visual schedule that outlines the steps of the routine or use a social story to explain what happens during a dental visit.


Visual aids can also help children with ASD anticipate changes in their dental hygiene routine. For example, parents can use pictures to show a child that they will be using a different toothpaste, or that they will be visiting a different children's dentist in Orpington.

Offer Choices


Autistic children may struggle with changes in their routine or with sensory issues related to dental hygiene. Offering choices can help them feel more in control and reduce anxiety.


For example, parents can offer a choice between two different toothpastes, or allow the child to choose which toothbrush to use. These small choices can help autistic children feel more comfortable with the dental hygiene routine.

Practice Sensory Desensitization


Sensory issues can make it difficult for autistic children to tolerate certain textures, tastes, and smells related to dental hygiene. However, practicing sensory desensitization can help them become more accustomed to these sensations.


Parents can start by introducing small amounts of toothpaste on the child's toothbrush and gradually increase the amount over time. They can also introduce different textures, such as using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a textured chew toy to help the child become more comfortable with sensations in their mouth.

Use Positive Reinforcement


Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging good dental hygiene habits in autistic children. Parents can use praise, rewards, or a token system to reinforce positive behaviors related to dental hygiene.


For example, parents can offer a small reward, such as a sticker or a small toy, for every successful dental hygiene routine. This can help children with ASD associate dental hygiene with positive experiences and create a sense of pride and accomplishment.


In conclusion, helping autistic children overcome dental hygiene difficulties requires patience, persistence, and creativity. By starting early, using visual aids, offering choices, practicing sensory desensitization, and using positive reinforcement, parents can help their children develop good dental hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. It is also important for parents to work closely with their children's dentist in Orpington to develop a dental hygiene routine that works for their child's individual needs and preferences. With the right strategies and support, autistic children can achieve and maintain good oral health for a lifetime.