Dental tool kit
Introduction
Introduction
Oral health is an important healthcare need. But proper dental hygiene can be challenging for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Some may have sensitivities to brushing, flossing, rinsing or having any dental equipment in their mouth. Sensory needs may result in some biting their nails, grinding their teeth, chewing on items like pencils or pens and putting other non-food items in their mouth that can adversely affect their teeth and gums.
Some may have difficulty communicating mouth pain and/or worry about common occurrences like a loose baby tooth or food stuck between teeth. All of these can result in a delay of or improper dental care and ultimately poor dental health.
This guide is designed to help you develop healthy dental hygiene habits with your autistic loved one so they can enjoy a lifetime of proper oral care.
Acknowledgements
Gratitude for our contributors
Autism Speaks would like to thank Northeast Delta Dental Foundation for their generous contribution to fund the revision of this tool kit, first released in the 2010s.
Autism Speaks would also like to extend special thanks to the following for their contributions to the update: Sean Sullivan, Self-advocate and founder of IKnowAutism.org, Louis Siegelman, DDS of Dentalphobia.com, and the following Autism Speaks staff and parents of autistic children: Lindsay Austin, Josh Cobbs, Brooke Horowitz, J-Jaye Hurley, Jeff Rickel and Christa Stevens.
Disclaimer
Autism Speaks does not provide medical or legal advice or services.
Rather, Autism Speaks provides general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided in this Tool Kit is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals.
Autism Speaks has not validated and is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. You are urged to use independent judgment and request references when considering any resource associated with the provision of services related to autism.
