Autism and Your Child’s Oral Health

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

For children with autism, brushing teeth can be difficult.  Kids sometimes find the routine to be uncomfortable at first.  Here are a few steps to help your kids get started on their oral health care at home and eventually learn to brush their teeth independently!

Brushing Tips for Children with Autism:

• Comfort – Let your child get used to the idea of brushing their teeth by using the toothbrush to touch the lips or just inside the mouth.  You can also show them how to “open wide.”
• Check Lists –Many children with autism benefit from visual support.  Parents can print pictures and check off activities as they are completed. 
• Photographs - Parents can also print photos of the steps involved in brushing teeth.  Loading these pictures into a digital picture frame and displaying the photos at 10 second intervals can be a great visual prompt!
• Verbal Praise – Reward your child after they have completed many or all of the steps involved in their oral health care routine!  Remember, each child needs to work at their own pace.

For more tips on how to care for your child’s teeth, visit autismspeaks.org.  This website offers a helpful dental guide that is great for parents!  You can also contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove with any questions you have regarding your child’s oral health.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.