Having healthy
teeth and gums is important and can have a big impact on general health and quality of life. Children and young people with additional needs may need some extra support keeping their teeth healthy and accessing the right dental care.
They might be particularly sensitive to sounds, touch or smell, so they don't like putting a toothbrush and toothpaste into their mouth. Going to the dentist can also be difficult, if they don't like being in an unfamiliar place, or having cold instruments in their mouth or they could find the sound of the dentist's drill upsetting.
Neurodivergent children and young people have the same entitlement to dental care as all children and services should make adjustments to achieve this where possible.
Some children and young people may not be able to express the fact that they have toothache and therefore their discomfort could be misunderstood or missed. For this reason, establishing a good dental health routine is important.
Sometimes specialist dental care will be the most appropriate and your dentist or GP can help find the right service for your child.
Tooth Brushing Top Tips
If taste and texture is an issue, try flavourless, foam-free or fluoride-free toothpaste.
Regular dental checkups are essential to maintain dental health and hygiene. Preparation can help to make your child's dental check-up run smoothly.
Preparation
To help your child understand why they need to visit the dentist or what happens during a dental appointment, you could use visual aids like a social story or a storybook.
Find examples of social stories here
If your child has particular sensory needs, bring along any equipment that might support them during their visit, like sunglasses, ear defenders or fiddle toys.
Sharing Information
When accessing dental care, neurodivergent children and young people require individualised care, which can be discussed with your dentist before the appointment.
The dentist needs to know about your child’s/young person’s medical history, their developmental needs and how they communicate.
If your child/young person struggles with being touched or if they are sensitive to sounds and smells ask the dentist how this could be managed.
If your child/young person has a health passport this should also be shared with the dental team.
Having a Positive Experience
Some tips to help have a positive experience at the dentist include:
P
reparing your child or young person for the appointment. A book, social story, or video about visiting the dentist might be helpful.
Think about the timing of the appointment and the accessibility of the building. A visit just to the building in advance of your appointment might reduce anxiety on the day.
If your child/young person requires any communication aids or a visual timetable, have these ready and available.
Consider sensory aids to help during the appointment. Think about offering headphones to block out noise and play music that your child or young person might enjoy, or if your child has light sensitivity you could bring along some sunglasses.
Ask the dentist for a double appointment to allow time to settle your child/young person and to explain what will happen step by step at their pace.
If your child or young person is overwhelmed you should not worry about stepping in and asking for a break or to come back another time.
Let us know what you think!
We've been working together in Norfolk and Waveney with families and professionals to put together information, advice and resources that are helpful to families. Let us know what you think, and anything we could change or add to make it even better.
If you live in Norfolk
You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.
If you live in Waveney
Norfolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Norfolk.
Suffolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Waveney.
Mencap is a national charity who support people with learning disabilities. They offer a free Learning Disability Helpline with advice and guidance. Call 0808 808 1111 to speak to a trained professional.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
