As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, visiting the dentist can be especially difficult and overwhelming. While your child needs preventive dental care, a dental office’s sights, sounds, and unfamiliarity can make even experienced patients anxious.

Here are nine helpful tips to prepare your child with autism for their dentist appointment to help them have a more comfortable visit. These tailored strategies give you greater peace of mind about caring for your family’s oral health from reducing anxiety beforehand to understanding treatment options afterward.

Educate Yourself on the Dental Appointment Process

Educating yourself on the dental process is essential in helping your child. Familiarizing yourself with various procedures and routines is a great way to be the best support system. Before your appointment, gathering some information is important to feel prepared. Make sure you have the following information on hand:

• Dental history
• Any previous treatments
• Past surgeries
• Allergies

What Should You Expect?

On the day of your appointment, the dentist or hygienist will take you through a comprehensive dental examination to check out those pearly whites, gums, and tongue. They’ll also take x-rays and give your child’s teeth a good cleaning—nothing out of the ordinary! It’s important to note that if you have questions or advice for encouraging dental hygiene, don’t hesitate to ask! You should always feel comfortable to ask questions or voice any concerns.

Make Sure Your Child Is Comfortable With Their Dentist

As a parent, you want to ensure your child is comfortable with their dentist. Visiting the office before the exam is one way to help ease fears or anxieties. This visit can help your child become familiar with the surroundings, staff, and equipment.

This visit is also a great opportunity to chat with the dentist and ask any questions about the upcoming appointment. Plus, it can be a fun experience for your child to check out the waiting room, pick out a toy from the treasure chest, and maybe even watch a movie or play a game on the tablet. You can help make your child’s dental visit positive by taking this extra step.

Explain What Will Happen and Why It’s Important

Allowing your child to express their anxieties is important when preparing them for their upcoming dentist appointment. As a parent, it’s important to address your child’s concerns and explain the importance of dental health.

You can help them feel more at ease during their appointment by taking the time to talk to your child about the dentist. Watch fun educational videos about dental health and what will happen during their visit. You can also use this opportunity to teach your child about proper dental care techniques, like brushing and flossing. You can help your child feel confident and empowered about their dental health by approaching the topic in a friendly and engaging way.

Prepare Sensory Aids Beforehand

You might want to consider preparing some sensory aids beforehand if your child struggles with sensory overload. Bringing comfort to their dentist appointment can help them feel calm and relaxed. Sensory aids can be a major help when your child is feeling overwhelmed. A few items include:

• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Fidget toys
• Weighted blankets
• Stuffed animal
• Sensory bottles

With these aids ready, your child can easily slip into their comfort zone whenever they feel like it. They can relax and enjoy their surroundings without worrying about sudden loud noises or uncomfortable sensory stimuli.

Allow Extra Time Before the Appointment

Your child may need extra time to prepare for and sit through their appointment. After all, this experience can be overwhelming for anyone, especially young children who may not understand what’s happening.

You’re ensuring your child won’t feel rushed by scheduling some spare time around their appointment, and you’re giving them a chance to get used to the new environment. This extra time can lead to a more positive experience overall!

Discuss Accommodations With the Dentist Ahead of Time

Taking your child to the dentist for the first time can be nerve-wracking. That’s why it’s important to talk with your dentist about any accommodations they may need to make during the visit. You can help the dentist ensure your child is comfortable and safe while getting the care they need by sharing applicable information about them with your child’s dentist before the appointment. Again, don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice any concerns. Your child’s dentist is there to provide the best possible care for them.

Ask Questions if You Need Clarification on Anything

The more questions, the better! We recommend that you seek clarification and get the information you need upfront rather than assume because of a lack of understanding. So, go ahead and ask away—chances are, others may have the same questions as you. A few questions to consider asking are:



• Do you have experience and are you comfortable working with children who have autism?
• Does my child require additional protection while receiving dental care?
• Do you have any resources or guides to help me understand how to maintain my child’s dental health at home?

Bring a Friend or Family Member Along Who Can Help

Going to the doctor or dentist can be a stressful experience for any child. That’s why it’s a great idea to bring a friend or family member who can help keep them comfortable during the appointment. Having someone there to make the experience feel less intimidating can make all the difference, whether playing a game, reading a book, or simply chatting.

Celebrate After the Appointment!

Completing a task or an appointment can be a relief, and it’s always good to celebrate the little victories in life. Rewarding your child for their bravery can help boost their self-confidence, whether the task they completed was big or small. Awarding your brave kiddo with their favorite treat or activity can be a motivator for achieving harder tasks. You’ll make the experience more pleasant by adding a little bit of fun, and it’ll leave both parties feeling happier and fulfilled.

Taking the time to prepare your child with autism for a dental appointment is an important part of being a supportive parent or caregiver. With the right tools, your child can make it through their appointment and enjoy it. As we know, building routines and creating a safe environment are essential for children with autism.

Finding ways to reduce stress before and during a dental visit can help to ensure positive outcomes. ABA therapy training for parents can also be very beneficial in addressing potential behavioral issues during dental care visits. Contact us today for more information on gaining supportive strategies at home!