Children’s sensory processing challenges at the dentist

Lots of people tell us they don’t like going to the dentist. But for some people it’s more difficult than for others. In this article we’re looking at how to tackle sensory processing challenges at the dentist. 

• Do you have a child who has heightened sensory perception?
• Are you wondering how to prepare for a trip to the dentist?
• Did your last trip to the dentist not go as well as you hoped?

For many children, visits to the dentist can be worrying. For children with heightened sensitivity or sensory processing challenges, a visit to the dentist can be daunting – for the parent or carer, as well as for the child. Preparing beforehand can help the experience run more smoothly. And also help get the treatment done.

Help prepare children with sensory processing challenges.

We’re sharing some expert advice for parents and carers to help prepare children and reduce sensory overload.

Charlotte Olson is a children’s author who writes books about everyday life experiences. She develops stories “intended to help children cope with new situations found in most families.”

In her book “Suzie goes to the Dentist” writer Charlotte Olson presents ideas to open helpful communication. If you’re taking a child to the dentist who may be challenged processing sensory experiences outside their day to day routines, Charlotte’s book is a useful way to talk though it first.

Charlotte is a mum from Bristol. Her stories are based on her family’s journey with their son and autism.

Explore Charlotte Olson’s series of social books on her website, including “Suzie goes to the Dentist“.

What is sensory processing disorder?

Children respond differently to light and sound, to the feel of something, or to tastes and smells. It’s not unusual for a child to be upset by a loud noise, an unpleasant smell or very bright lights. But for some children, and adults too, their brains find processing sensory information difficult. In short, although they receive unimpaired signals from their surroundings, but experience difficulty differentiating and ordering what they see, hear, smell, taste and feel. Sensory processing issues may also include balance and kinaesthetic awareness.

Therapists apply the term ‘sensory processing disorder’ when responses to sensory input are extreme enough to disrupt or impact on everyday life. It may also be one of a cluster of symptoms under a wider umbrella term for a  developmental condition, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Identifying and separating concerns linked to sensory processing from other behaviours can help to reduce anxiety and make everyday situations easier to handle.

• Managing oral health of children with sensory processing difficulties – a patient’s story

Sensory processing challenges

Sensory challenges a trip to the dentist may include are:

• A lot of visual stimulation. The lighting is bright. Explain how the dentist will need to put on a light to look inside their mouth. The glare can be upsetting. There are a lot of reflective and shiny surfaces too. Combine the lights with people moving around and there’s a lot to take in.
• Much more touching. Dental work is very hands on. From sitting in the chair to placing tubes in the mouth and tapping at teeth, touching is all part of the treatment. The dentist will need to touch sensitive areas like the mouth and face.
• A range of different smells. A dental surgery is very clinical, and children may respond with heightened sensitivity to the strange smells of cleaning fluids, materials used during any treatment, or even the smell of soap in the washroom dispensers.
• Different and unusual tastes. If your child is having their teeth cleaned or using some mouth rinse, the taste might be strong. Even rinsing water may have a different taste to usual.
• More noise than usual. There will be people talking at reception, and chatting in the waiting room. There may be music, children playing with toys, or phones ringing. The waiting room can be a busy place.

It’s important to communicate

Charlotte says, “Talk with your child before you go. Explain to your child what they can expect to happen when visiting the dentist. Keep it simple, so that the child can process without overloading.”

Charlotte suggests introducing ideas in advance to help with sensory processing before you go to the dentist:

• Role play at home can be helpful. For example, ask your child to lie back in a chair and open wide! Speak like a dentist. Think about the senses. Shine a torch, and use, for example, a wooden coffee stirrer to gently tap on a couple of teeth while you count.
• Prepare a tray of visual aids to explore. Items may include: protective glasses, a paper cup, tissues, a mouth mirror, a surgical mask. Encourage your child to play with them, put them on and feel them.
•  Make a guessing game with a tray of non-toxic smelly items, such as toothpaste, mouthwash and soap.
• Read social stories together to prepare your child. Make reading a book about going to the dentist fun and positive. And, if you have any personal reservations about going to the dentist (many adults do), don’t let them show.
• Ask if you can visit your dentist before the appointment. Explore the waiting room, and go into the surgery if you can, to familiarize your child with the surroundings.
• Discuss regularly with your child about how to keep teeth clean and healthy. Building up a good oral hygiene routine at home helps children get used to having their mouth and teeth touched.

A few useful strategies while you’re at the dentist are:

• Book appointments when it’s less busy. The receptionist can advise a suitable time.
• Be sure to allow plenty of time. Plan the journey allowing time for traffic, parking and distractions.
• Remember to inform reception of health issues and medication.
• Ask for a quiet space to wait in.
• Your dentist can ask your child to raise a hand to show s/he needs attention.

A bag of familiar items can help make the visit go more smoothly:

• Favourite (small) toys for distraction.
• A small weighted lap blanket that can be used around the shoulders also.
• Noise cancelling headphones or earbuds with calming sounds.
• A pair of favourite sunglasses.
• Calming aromatherapy oils.

Charlotte says, “The more you can communicate with the dentist and staff who will be assisting your child through the whole experience, the better.” Remember the dental team wants to help your child access the care s/he needs, so the more they know the more they can do to help.

If you would like to learn more about social books or order a copy of “Suzie goes to the Dentist” by Charlotte Olson, please visit her website.

A few additional words from the dental team:

Preventive dental care is very important. With effective home oral hygiene, visits to the dentist are just short check-ups. Dental advice stresses the importance of:

• Regular brushing and use of appropriate fluoride products.
• A healthy diet, low in sugar, salt and fat.
• Regular check-ups at the dentist so any concerns can be treated before they become problems.

We recommend that all babies visit the dentist before their first birthday to help them get used to the clinical environment, processes and people. It helps enormously just in case there’s ever a need for emergency dental care because of an accident.

People also ask:

• Does my child need fluoride varnish?
• How can I look after my children’s teeth well?

If you have advice to share with other parents about your visits to the dentist, please get in touch! You may also like to find out about the serices available at your nearest SpaDental surgery.

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