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.

Do Kids Need Dental Sealants?

 Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City 

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Many children across the nation choose sugary juice drink over water and rarely turn down a piece of candy. Dentists who see these children often times suggest giving them dental sealants to keep tooth decay to a minimum. It is an ongoing debate amongst dentists whether enough kids get the liquid plastic coverings that protect their teeth.

According to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of children at poverty level and only 40% of kids from higher-income homes actually receive recommended sealants. Dental sealants are formed when dentists drip a plastic-like liquid onto the biting surface of the tooth, coating the pits and fissures that typically trap food and foster the growth of bacteria.

Dental sealants are applied to the permanent molars and set with ultraviolet light, usually between the ages of 5 and 7. The cost of this procedure is usually $30 to $40 per tooth and it is typically covered by most dental insurance policies.

CDC Reports that Autism Rates are Rising Sharply.... Could it be environmental?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

A new study on 8 year olds has concluded that 1 in every 88 has some form of Autism. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that autism rates have been climbing dramatically over the last decade (LATimes.com). Reports prior to this study reported that it was estimated that every 1 in 110 had some form of Autism.

These new statistics are sure to raise a debate on whether or not there is a growing environmental threat. The cause of Autism is currently unknown. There are no blood tests available or biological markers to indicate that one has Autism. Autism is diagnosed by the symptoms, which are social and communication difficulties starting very early childhood as well as repetitive behaviors or abnormally intense interests. Autism can often only be diagnosed by a clinician and their judgment. 

Mark Roithmayr, president of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, reports that “Autism is now becoming an epidemic in the United States,” (LATimes.com). Many people believe that the rising rates have much to do with environmental causes. 

Many also believe that because Autism awareness has grown, healthcare providers and schools are more likely to label a child autistic or document symptoms. Researchers are hoping that new studies will draw attention for the need of a more thorough screenings early on in a child’s life. 

Dr. Reynolds of Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City specializes in treating children with special needs. Call today to schedule your child's visit! For more information, visit PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com.