World Autism Awareness Day and Dental Health

Did you know that the World Health Organization estimates that about one in every 160 children worldwide has an autism spectrum disorder? April 2^nd is World Autism Awareness Day, which means it’s the perfect time to learn more about how we can better help those living with these conditions. For example, studies have shown that kids on the spectrum are more likely to develop oral issues.

Continue reading to learn about why this happens and how you can encourage your family to improve their dental health!

Why Are Autistic Children More Likely to Have Dental Dilemmas?

A study completed in 2017 discovered that 85.2% of autistic kids aged 7 to 14 had cavities in their permanent teeth which is much higher than the 41.7% of the general population of children. There are several potential reasons that these individuals may have an increased risk of problems like tooth decay or gum disease, including:

• Medication. Almost 45% of children and adolescents with autism use medications to help manage symptoms. Unfortunately, these drugs are known to have side effects like dry mouth, overgrown gum, toothaches, changes in salivation, and even altered taste.
• Motor disturbances. Both the disorder as well as some of the medications prescribed for it are known to cause movement challenges that could interrupt efficient oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing twice daily.
• Tooth grinding. Many children with autism also suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. This can prematurely wear down their pearly whites so they’re more easily damaged or broken. It can also shift their pearly whites out of alignment which can make them harder to clean.
• Anxiety. It’s common for patients with autism to have a general fear of dental visits due to sensory overload. If they’re overly worried, they may avoid appointments that prevent dental problems.

How Can I Help My Autistic Child Improve Their Dental Condition?

If you’re the parent or guardian of a child with unique dental needs, there are several ways you can help them keep their mouths clean. You might consider:

• Oral motor tools. If your kid is sensitive to sensations, then they might avoid brushing their teeth. You can try wiping their mouth out with a dry cloth, instead. You could also purchase a non-spicy toothpaste that won’t overwhelm their taste buds.
• Timers. For little ones who have a hard time staying on task, you can give them a timer to help them stay on task while they clean their teeth and gums.
• Noise-canceling headphones. The vibrations of different sounds in an echoey bathroom can be overwhelming. Your child might be less anxious if they can cover their ears and block out unwanted noise.

If you’re looking for more suggestions to help your child maintain their oral well-being, why not ask your pediatric dentist? They probably have experience helping younger people from all walks of life and may have some helpful ideas to share, too!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, you and your whole crew benefit from a team of dental experts who offer a full range of services from multiple convenient locations. With general dentists as well as specialists on site, they can handle everything from simple checkups to the most complex cases. They believe in treating every patient with courtesy and compassion and take the time to get to know your child’s circumstances so they can offer appropriate solutions. If your autistic child requires a checkup, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by contacting our Jefferson Blvd. location at (214) 333-3100.