The Autism Program Logokids

Tips for Daily Life — Visiting the Dentist

These tips are based on observation, not research.

  • Choose a dentist who is willing to work with you. Schedule appointments for slow times of day. Request a mouth mirror, x-rays and polishing supplies to practice at home ahead of time.
     
  • Use reinforcements and communication tools that work for your child.
     
  • Teach your child pre-requisite skills before visiting the dentist such as learning to open his mouth for 10 seconds following simple instructions such as “lay down”, “hands down” and “open mouth.”
     
  • Talk to the dental staff about ways to interact with your child before the visit. For instance, inform the staff if your child dislikes when his mouth is touched.
     
  • Create and use tools to prepare your child for the visit such as visual schedules, models and social stories.
     
  • Practice good oral hygiene at home - thoroughly brushing teeth daily.
     
  • Use positive language when discussing the dentist (“You’ll get to ride in the chair!” “You’ll have super clean teeth!” “It will be fun!” NOT “It won’t hurt” or “It won’t be scary.”)

Tips provided by: Anthony Cuvo, Ph.D. & Ronda DeMattei, R.D.H., M.S. Ed.
The Autism Program
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Regional Training and Service Center