Dental hygiene is essential for everyone, but helping neurodiverse children maintain healthy oral habits can sometimes come with unique challenges. Children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, or other neurodivergent traits may face difficulties with the textures, tastes, and routines involved in dental care.
However, with the right strategies and a bit of creativity, parents can make brushing, flossing, and dental visits less stressful and more accessible.
Here are some tips to support neurodiverse children in looking after their teeth.
- Make Dental Hygiene a Predictable Routine
For neurodiverse children, routines offer stability and help alleviate anxiety. Making dental hygiene part of a predictable, daily schedule can reduce resistance.
Visual schedules or charts can be beneficial in showing each step in the process: get the toothbrush, add toothpaste, brush for two minutes, rinse, and floss. Visuals or checklists provide guidance and can give children a sense of accomplishment as they progress through each step.
In addition, using a timer or a song can help make the routine more engaging. Many children find two-minute brushing timers or apps that play music for the duration of brushing helpful and fun, as these create a defined beginning and end.
- Select Tools and Products That Suit Their Sensory Needs
Some neurodiverse children may have heightened sensory sensitivities, which can make certain toothbrushes, toothpaste flavours, or even the feel of water in their mouth uncomfortable.
Experimenting with different brushes—such as ones with softer bristles or electric toothbrushes with lower vibrations—can make brushing more tolerable. Similarly, exploring flavourless or mild toothpaste options may reduce aversions caused by strong tastes or smells.
If flossing is challenging, consider using floss picks, water flossers, or even orthodontic flossers, which can make the process quicker and easier. Letting your child choose the colour or design of their toothbrush can also give them a sense of control and make the experience more personalized and appealing.
- Use Positive Reinforcement and Encouragement
Positive reinforcement can be highly effective for motivating children, especially for activities they may find difficult. Praise, small rewards, or even a sticker chart can encourage neurodiverse children to build positive associations with dental care.
If they brush their teeth for the entire two minutes or allow their teeth to be flossed, acknowledging their effort—even if the brushing wasn’t perfect—helps build their confidence and willingness to continue the routine.
- Provide Sensory-Friendly Dental Visits
Dental visits can be overwhelming for neurodiverse children due to bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, and new sensations. Preparing children in advance by explaining what to expect, showing them pictures of the dentist’s office, or even doing a virtual tour can ease anxiety.
Some dental offices specialize in care for neurodiverse children, offering sensory-friendly environments with dimmer lighting, shorter wait times, and staff trained to work with neurodivergent patients.
Discussing your child’s sensory preferences with the dentist can help them tailor the experience to be as comfortable as possible. Some dentists may allow children to bring comfort items, wear noise-cancelling headphones, or listen to calming music during the visit.
- Involve Play and Practice at Home
Role-playing with a toy dentist kit or practicing brushing on a stuffed animal can be a helpful way for neurodiverse children to become more comfortable with dental care.
These activities turn dental hygiene into something familiar and fun, making it less intimidating.
Helping neurodiverse children look after their teeth is all about adapting the routine to fit their unique needs. With patience, understanding, and tailored strategies, dental hygiene can become a manageable and even enjoyable part of their daily life.
Jane Lambert 28.10.24