Autistic children can often find trips to the dentist very challenging due to the risk of sensory overload. However, recent research has found that when certain sensory adaptations are made by dental clinics, that autistic children can have a much more pleasant experience at the dentist. This can have a positive effect on the oral health of those with the condition.
Autism is a very challenging condition for both children and adults. Everyday tasks can be very challenging for children that have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Among these tasks are trips to the dentist. Autistic children often struggle to attend dental check-ups, mainly due to the potential for sensory overload.
However, new research has found that when certain adaptations are made, autistic children can find visiting the dentist a positive experience, aiding their oral health [1].
What is Autism?
Autism is considered to be a developmental disability which affects approximately 1 in 59 children in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Education [2].
The NHS suggest that autistic people “may act in a different way to other people” [3]. Symptoms include communication problems, difficulty in coping with unfamiliar situations and repetitive actions [3].
One of the defining features of autism is how those with the condition often find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming and uncomfortable [3].
These symptoms make it difficult for autistic children to go to the dentist. A dental clinic can be an unfamiliar location that also involves social situations. But above all, it can cause several sensory problems. For example, the dentist’s light, the sound of the dental drill and the possibility of loud noises can all cause concern.
As there are so many issues, it is unsurprising that autistic people typically have poorer oral health compared to the general public [4]. Therefore, trying to make a dental clinic a more comfortable place for autistic children is important.
Research
Recent research has looked into ways that autism can be managed better in a dental clinic. The research was carried out by a team from the University of Southern California, with their findings being published in the JAMA Network Open [1].
The research involved 162 children aged between 6 and 12 with a diagnosis of autism. They were split into two groups, both of which received dental cleaning. One group of 83 received care in a standard clinic environment, with the other 80 receiving care in an adapted environment [1].
The researchers spent time in planning which adaptations could be made. The adapted environment involved:
• Blackout curtains being hung over the windows
• The dentist wearing a surgical loupe with an attached lamp to avoid getting light in the eyes of the child
• A slow-motion visual effect being projected onto the ceiling – with the child being given the option between a “Finding Nemo” underwater scene or abstract colors
• A portable speaker that played calming nature sounds and quiet piano music
• A traditional lead X-ray bib being placed on the child’s chest
• The child being securely wrapped to the dental chair in a method that involved a hugging sensation from shoulder to ankle [1]
The researchers wanted to see if these adaptations would improve the dental clinic experience for the children. During the check-up, electrodes were placed on each child’s fingers, which measured electrodermal activity – which researchers could use to see how the children were reacting throughout the appointment [1].
Moreover, the researchers were also looking out for jerking or other movements, jaw-clamping, screaming, crying or biting the equipment or dentist – all signs that a child is in distress.
Interestingly, the researchers found that there were many similarities between the groups. For example, the quality of care and time needed to get the child seated were the same in both groups [1].
However, when it came to patient comfort, the adapted setting was much more effective. The two groups had very different results – with the adapted environment group having less discomfort, distress, movements, screaming and jaw-clamping [1]. They found the adapted environment to be calming. For those in the standard environment, there were many problems.
The results clearly showed that making adaptations for autistic children can be very effective. The children in the study were more at ease due to adaptations, which can provide a calmer experience.
Author comments
This study suggests that by offering an adapted environment approach to autistic children, that they will find visits to the dentist more beneficial. Treatments and regular check-ups can be more effective and useful.
The authors recommended that dental clinics adopt adapted environments for autistic children. Lead author Leah Stein Duker commented on the findings, saying that “the combination of curated visual, auditory and tactile adaptations—all of which are easily implemented, relatively inexpensive and don’t require training to safely use—led to statistically significant decreases in autistic children’s behavioral and physiological distress during dental cleanings” [5].
The researchers suggested that such changes can be low-cost, stating that implementation can be completed through “a one-time cost of less than $6000” [5]. In fact, the researchers pointed out that beanie hats, sunglasses and X-ray bibs are often free – making them simple additions to a dental clinic [5].
Overall, these changes can make a positive difference. Children with autism will often struggle with their oral health. However, by making these adaptations, it can improve their oral health substantially and result in long-term benefits.
Thinking points…
[1] If you have an autistic child, the chances are that you will know about the challenges involved in visiting the dentist. However, here at [clinic name], we offer support for all of our patients! Please do not be discouraged to book with us, as check-ups are important for the oral health of your children! You can read more about us at our website https://savanndentalclinic.ca!
[2] While it is important for you to look out for the oral health of your children, remember that your oral health is equally as important! Therefore, remember to attend check-ups at the dentist on a regular basis. Dental check-ups can help to identify any issues that need attention. We recommend booking an appointment now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
It is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating healthily. Therefore, this should help your oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.
We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Duker, L. I. S., Como, D. H., Jolette, C., Vigen, C., Gong, C. L., Williams, M. E., Polido, J. C., Florindez-Cox, L. I., & Cermak, S. A. (2023). Sensory Adaptations to Improve Physiological and Behavioral Distress During Dental Visits in Autistic Children. JAMA Network Open. 6 (6): e2316346. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.16346.
[2] Carmichael, R. (2021). Autism On the Rise: Coping in the Dental Office. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/autism-on-the-rise-coping-in-the-dental-office/. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.
[3] NHS. (2022). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.
[4] Nunes da Silva, S., Gimenez, T., Souza, R. C., Mello-Moura, A. C. V., Raggio, D. P., Morimoto, S., Lara, J. S., Soares, G. C., & Tedesco, T. K. (2016). Oral health status of children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. 27 (5): p388-398. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.12274.
[5] McNulty, M. (2023). Sensory adapted dental rooms significantly reduce autistic children’s physiological stress during teeth cleanings. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-06-sensory-dental-rooms-significantly-autistic.html. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.
