Dental Care for Children With Sensory Processing Issues
Pediatric dental disease, also known as childhood tooth decay, is the #1 chronic childhood disease in America. If left untreated, the effects on a child’s health and wellness can be devastating and can include malnourishment, anemia, life-threatening secondary infections and even death. Untreated tooth decay and gum disease can also adversely impact self-esteem, employment prospects, social development and overall quality of life.
Helping to manage your child’s dental hygiene can be an especially difficult task if they struggle with sensory processing issues. In this guide you will find general information and helpful tips on establishing good dental care practices with your children, as well as specific dental care resources and suggestions for assisting children with sensory processing challenges as they develop positive oral hygiene habits.
At Home Dental Care in Children
According to the American Dental Association, children’s first teeth generally appear between 6 and 12 months of age, and most children have a full set of teeth by age 3. Since decay can begin to happen as soon as the tooth erupts, it is important to begin brushing with fluoride toothpaste (that contains no less than 1,000 ppm of fluoride) right away. Children under the age of 3 should use a grain-sized smear of toothpaste, and those over the age of 3 should use a pea-sized drop of toothpaste on their toothbrush. You should help young children to brush their teeth twice a day, floss once daily, and schedule their first dental visit no later than their first birthday.
For a visual representation of a child’s typical tooth development, check out this infographic from Bitesize Pediatric Dentistry, which details the childhood tooth journey from birth to age 12.
To learn more about the importance of fluoride in tooth development and dental wellness, check out this fluoride fact guide from the American Dental Association.
And if you’re looking for a great way to get your child excited about brushing their teeth, bring a beat into your bathroom with this playlist of songs to brush by!
Sensory Processing Challenges and Dental Care
Our brains are constantly taking in information through our senses. For most people, processing that information isn’t a problem. For children with sensory processing issues, however, dealing with the constant stream of sounds, tastes, images and textures around us, is a struggle.
Individuals with sensory processing issues fall into two categories, those who require and look for more sensory input (hyposensitive, or sensory seeking), and those who are oversensitive to sensory input (hypersensitive, or sensory avoiding). The following approaches are recommended for facilitating at home dental care if your child falls into one of these two categories of individuals.
For children who are hyposensitive or sensory seeking, try using an electric toothbrush for greater sensory stimulation. Pair toothbrushing with a weighted vest or blanket and/or a fidget or other handheld device to help redirect their energy while you are brushing their teeth.
For children who are sensory avoiding or hypersensitive, try a manual toothbrush so that the speed and pressure are easier to control. If the child is old enough and can safely do so, have the child spend some time chewing gum to help them get accustomed to having something in their mouth, and massage the gums with a finger or dry brush prior to brushing to help them prepare for brushing and flossing.
For both sensory seeking and sensory avoiding children, allow the child to sample and select their preferred flavor of toothpaste. If they can safely do so, let the child have a turn brushing their teeth so that they can learn to be in control of the movements and pressure.
Preparing for a dental visit, check up, or cleaning, may be especially challenging for a child with sensory processing issues. Before your child’s dental visit check out these resources, ask your dental professionals about their experience and comfort level in supporting your child’s special needs, and consider sharing resources with them so that they can be as prepared as possible for their patient’s unique needs.
While not every child with a sensory processing challenge has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the issue is a common one among those with ASD. This toolkit from Autism Speaks has valuable resources for parents and dental professionals who are preparing a child with sensory processing challenges for an appointment.
This article was written by a registered dental hygienist who has experience in caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and general sensory processing challenges. If you’re concerned about your dental care professional’s level of knowledge on this topic, share this article with them prior to making an appointment.
A social story is a narrative made to illustrate certain situations and problems, and present ways to help people deal with the obstacles in front of them. This collection of social stories from Pathfinders for Autism is designed to help children who may have issues with social situations prepare for a visit to the dentist.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio Care Mobile
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, in partnership with UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, provides dental service to children ages 3-12 in underserved areas of Northeast Ohio. The state-of-the-art dentist office on wheels provides diagnostic, preventative and restorative treatment and education to at-risk children right in their own communities. The 42-foot long vehicle is operated by UH Rainbow Pediatric Dentistry and travels to communities in Northeast Ohio, providing crucial care. The Care Mobile’s focus is to provide needed dental care for children without a regular dentist who would not otherwise receive this care. To find out if your school, preschool, day care center or agency qualifies for a Care Mobile visit, click here.
Contributed by: Mackenzie Velk, D.M.D. Candidate, 2024 & Brooke Catlin, M.S.S.A. Candidate, 2022, Case Western Reserve University