Dental Care: Expert Advice for Supporting Autistic Children at the Dentist

As parents, taking our children to the dentist can be a daunting task. But when it comes to autistic children, the challenge can be even greater. Getting your autistic child to the dentist can be a rollercoaster ride filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

However, there is hope and guidance available for parents facing these unique challenges. Experts and Dentists experienced working with autistic children give some advice on autism and oral health and also on how to find a dental provider that is right for your child.

Expert and Dentist, Dr. Andrew Henderson says that to optimize oral health, parents of autistic children should have their child eat healthy foods such as green leafy vegetables and fibrous fruits and vegetables. He also says children should drink water throughout the day and minimize snacking on simple carbohydrates. He also advises to not eat sugary desserts every day, to have your child rinse their mouth after eating chips, crackers or processed snacks, and not to make a habit of chewing gum with sugar in it.

Dr. Henderson also suggests that parents ask these questions when looking for a Dentist that is right for their child:
- Do you have experience working with autistic patients?
- What accommodations have you made for people with sensory needs?
- What happens if my child becomes overwhelmed, has an anxiety attack and can’t finish the appointment?

Dr. Henderson offers more of his expert advice in an article he wrote for Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine. He generously shared his expert advice to help optimize our children's oral hygiene while navigating the dental experience.

If you're struggling with getting your autistic child to the dentist or simply want to ensure you're doing everything you can to optimize their oral hygiene, we highly recommend reading Dr. Henderson's article. It is a treasure trove of quality information that can help ease the journey to the dentist and ensure our children receive the care they deserve.

Access the article in our article directory by clicking here.