Brushing Off Barriers: How to Help Loved Ones with Autism Protect Their Oral Health

For families of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dental visits can feel overwhelming. Sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and unfamiliar routines can all make oral hygiene and dental visits much harder, resulting in a higher risk of oral health issues. This isn’t because of autism itself, but because of the barriers that get in the way of care. If you’re a caregiver ready to break those barriers down, continue reading.

Why Oral Health Can Be More Challenging for Those with ASD

People with autism often experience heightened sensitivity to textures, tastes, and sensations. That means the feeling of a toothbrush, the flavor of toothpaste, or even the sound of running water can be seriously overstimulating.

Dial this feeling to 11 when it comes to dental visits. Bright lights, the smell of disinfectant, the sounds and sensations of instruments—all of it can make the experience stressful enough to want to skip them altogether. And they often do.

Over time, inconsistent care and skipped dental visits can increase the risk of oral health issues.

Practical Tips for Building Better Habits at Home

While these barriers can be daunting, they’re not impossible to overcome. Gradual adjustments to a loved one’s daily routine can make a big difference. Here are a few strategies that often help:

• Start Slow and Stay Consistent: Introduce oral hygiene in small steps. For example, you can let your loved one hold a toothbrush and get comfortable with it before using it. Also, try to keep their routine on schedule at the same time every day. Predictability helps with overstimulation.
• Experiment with Products: Mild or unflavored toothpastes, softer bristle brushes, or electric toothbrushes with gentler vibrations can reduce sensory discomfort. It may take some trial and error to find the right fit, but it’s always worth the effort.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Acknowledging progress, even if it’s small, builds momentum over time.

Finding the Right Dental Team

Not every dentist is equipped to meet unique needs, which makes finding the right office a necessity.

A good dentist knows communication and preparation are key, and when you tell them about your loved one, their response says a lot. The best practices are happy to offer accommodations, like shorter appointments, a slower pace, or a pre-visit tour of the office to diminish the unknown.

If you’re a caregiver for a loved one with ASD, never be afraid to ask whether a dentist has experience working with patients with special needs. By advocating for them and guiding them, you’ll help set them up for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

About the Author

Dr. Joe Kern earned his dental doctorate from The Ohio State University and has been practicing dentistry for over 22 years. He and his team are committed to providing comfortable, personalized care for patients of all ages and needs. If you’re looking for a dental home that takes the time to understand your family’s unique situation, call (701) 352-2013 to schedule an appointment at Kern Family Dentistry.