How to Introduce Dental Health to Children with Special Needs via @HealthySmilesOC

This message is brought to you by Dr. Richard Mungo, Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County.

Photo Courtesy of Healthy Smiles.

Dental health is one of the most important components of healthy daily living. Yet among chronic childhood diseases, tooth decay is the most common, even though it is usually preventable. Bacterial infection from a decayed tooth, if left untreated, may spread, leading to severe toothaches, infections of the face and even death. I believe no child should ever suffer from untreated tooth decay. Children with special health care needs are at an even higher risk for tooth decay. The introduction of good dental health habits, at an early age, can help them experience a lifetime of good oral health with minimal need for extensive dental treatment. 

However, for some children, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), practicing dental health habits at home and going to dental visits can be frightening and stressful. As we recognize Autism Awareness Month in April, I would like to point out some of the steps that Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County teaches families to make the experience repeatable and even rewarding for children with special healthcare needs.

Getting Started at Home

Improving dental hygiene practices begins at home. The home is the best environment where families and children, who are experiencing autism or other medical and psychological disorders, can find agreeable and successful ways to incorporate healthy habits into daily routines.

Autism Speaks, the largest autism science and advocacy organization in North America, recommends these tips:

• You and your child should pick out the right toothbrush together. Just be certain to select the right size for your child’s mouth and preferably one that has soft bristles.

• For some children with autism, the sensation may be uncomfortable at first. One suggestion is to start by using the toothbrush to touch your child’s lips or cheeks. 

• You may want to teach your child to “open wide,” so this direction is understood.

• Showing your child how you brush your own teeth also may be helpful.

• If accepted and tolerated, mechanical toothbrushes are recommended for a thorough job of cleaning the mouth, in perhaps less time. It also helps desensitize the child to the noise and feeling of the dental brushes used in the dental office when they come in for checkups.

Finding a Dental Home for Your Child

Next, there are ways to make your child’s trip to the dentist less stressful. It’s normal for any dental patient to be nervous, even adults. However, it’s even more common for a child with autism. Good preparation and coaching can make a difference. We suggest that you discuss the upcoming dental visit with any therapists or homecare advisors working with your child. They will have great suggestions on how to talk about the visit and avoiding words such as “hurt” or “painful.” They can use photos of a dental office and dental visit to give a positive approach to preparing your child. We advise you to bring the therapist with you to the visit, if that is possible.

Healthy Smiles, one of the largest nonprofit dental health providers for children in Orange County, has found that if you maintain a positive attitude and stay relaxed, your child will often pick up on your cues and feel more comfortable. It might take a couple of “walk through” visits to get to a point of comfort and acceptance of the environment and equipment for the child. Finally, select an appointment time when your child is usually alert and not too tired.

If you have questions or want to learn more about how our highly trained staff at Healthy Smiles works with our community of children with special healthcare needs, please call our Smile Line at 714-638-7637 and someone will be happy to help you. You can also visit healthysmilesoc.org today for more information.
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About the Author:

Dr. Richard Mungo, medical director for Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County and a pediatric dentist in Huntington Beach, brings 28 years of experience to the oral health care field. He also serves as part-time faculty at USC School of Dentistry and a lecturer at UCLA School of Dentistry. Because of his position as a leading pediatric dentist who brings accessible oral health care services to the underserved and children with special needs in Orange County, the Regional Center of Orange County and other organizations have awarded him multiple honors.