Do you enjoy going to the dentist? Children tend to love the experience about as much as adults do. As for children with autism, especially those with a few cavities to fill, it can be a somewhat traumatizing experience. So it’s important to take good care of your teeth. At Monarch House, our interdisciplinary staff of professional therapists can offer some practical, hands-on advice about the best ways to keep your child’s mouth healthy. As a parent you need to stay on top of it, even though it’s not always easy. Oral hygiene can be a challenging task for children with autism due to sensory sensitivities, communication barriers, and anxiety related to unfamiliar routines. However, with a customized approach that works for your child, dental care can become a manageable and dare we say enjoyable part of their day. 

Here are nine effective dental care tips for children with autism in Toronto.

1. Create a Consistent Routine

When you make something a habit, it’s over before you know it. Make brushing and flossing a consistent, everyday ritual and eventually your children will fall into the behaviour on auto-pilot. Children with autism often thrive on routine. The first thing to do is set out a regular schedule for their brushing and flossing—once in the morning and once before bed. To make it clear when it’s time, make use of visual schedules or timers to signal that they’re up. If you do this consistently, you’ll build familiarity with the process and reduce some of the anxiety your child may have. 

2. Use Visual Supports

Clearly marked instructions can go a long way. Consider using visual aids like step-by-step flow charts, pictographs, storyboards, or videos that illustrate the brushing and flossing process. Your child can use these supports to break the tasks into simpler, more manageable steps. This makes it easier for them  to understand what is expected of them and follow along.

3. Choose Autism-Friendly Tools

Hard bristle toothbrushes can wear away at your enamel and are not really recommended by dentists. Beyond that, they can be rough on the gums of little ones who have heightened sensory sensitivities. So as a rule of thumb, choose toothbrushes with soft bristles or silicone heads to minimize discomfort. When it comes to children with autism, consider using a small, easy-to-grip toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with gentle vibrations if tolerated.

4. Gradual Desensitization

Brushing and flossing might be one of those tasks where you win your child over with a series of incremental victories. So start slow. Try gradual exposure if your child struggles with dental care. Start with introducing the basic equipment so they become familiar with it. Let them explore the toothbrush without using it. After that, slowly introduce brushing by starting with short sessions. Incrementally increase the duration of the session as they become more comfortable.

5. Make It Fun

Who said dental care can’t be an enjoyable experience? You can create a positive vibe by incorporating a few fun elements. Brushing your teeth to music adds a certain levity. Or maybe add some brightly coloured balloons around the sink. There are all sorts of fun and fruity toothpaste flavours out there, and brushes can be found in the theme of their favourite super heroes or animals. Join them in the session now and again and sing a favourite song while brushing, or use apps and games that encourage oral hygiene. Positive reinforcement, like stickers, game time, or rewards, can also motivate your child to get their teeth sparkling clean each night. 

6. Practice in a Comfortable Environment

Create a calming and familiar space for dental care. Dim lighting, soothing music, or weighted blankets can help reduce sensory overload. Allowing your child to choose their brushing location, such as sitting on the couch, can also provide comfort. Many children with autism in Toronto have built a trusting relationship with their dentist and hygienist, don’t be afraid to try out a few options until you find one your child is comfortable with.

7. Involve Them In The Process

Choice can be empowering. Encourage your child to take ownership of their dental care routine. Take them to the pharmacy with you, and show them all of the options out there, then, let them pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste. Giving them a sense of control can get them far more willing to participate and give them something to look forward to when it’s time to brush their teeth at night. 

8. Be Patient And Flexible

Be patient with your child if they don’t take to brushing and flossing right away. Getting them comfortable with dental care may take time to master, and setbacks are normal. Take your time and adjust your approach based on their specific needs. For example, if they cannot tolerate brushing for a steady two minutes, take some breaks, or start with smaller goals. At first you can brush for thirty seconds, and then over time, gradually increase as you go. 

9. Regular Dental Visits With Preparation

Sometimes it’s just a matter of finding the right person. When you have a child with autism, their needs are particular, so don’t be afraid to ‘dentist shop’ until you find one that’s a good fit. They could very well be in the picture for your child’s entire youth, so you want to make sure you find someone they trust and relate to. When it comes to finding a dentist experienced in working with children with autism in Toronto ask Monarch House for some recommendations. We can help you with a good match based on what we know about your child. We can also help you prepare your child for the initial visits by using role-play, visual support or even scheduling a “practice visit” to familiarize them with the environment. We can also assist you in putting together a list to best communicate your child’s needs and preferences with the dental team.

Going to the dentist is a breeze if you take good care of your teeth. This is why maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for children with autism in Toronto. As for your child, you know the best way to get them to cooperate, so work out a routine that will get them brushing and flossing each day without too much nagging or complaint. It requires a customized approach. By incorporating the nine strategies outlined here, parents and caregivers can foster positive dental care habits and set their children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help. We know that positive reinforcement can go a long way toward incrementally moving them towards independence. All in all, it takes patience, creativity, and understanding to make dental care an achievable part of their routine.