According to the World Health Organization, around one in 160 children on Earth has an autism spectrum disorder, which usually becomes noticeable by the time a child reaches three years of age. These conditions can cause a child to have difficulty with language development and social interactions. While autism does not inherently cause any facial or dental differences, people with it can develop oral health problems due to unusual oral habits, poor food choices, or the side effects of medications. Here’s how to help your loved one with autism keep a lovely smile.
Patients with autism are often quite uncooperative at the dentist’s office and with proper oral hygiene at home, so it can be difficult for them to receive the right care. A few common dental problems for people with autism to develop include:
In many cases, a person with autism can have difficulty communicating that they have dental pain, which can allow problems to go untreated for an unfortunately long time. Oftentimes, these issues can be much more severe by the time a dentist sees them.
Since patients with autism often have extreme sensory and oral motor integration issues, going to the dentist can be a frightening experience for them. The strange tools, noises, and people around them can cause a person with autism a lot of stress, especially if they are a child. Many dentists will suggest dental sedation to help them stay calm and relaxed during treatment.
If you are a parent of a child with autism, one way to help them be comfortable with dental treatment is to find a single dentist who is understanding of the issue and keep bringing your child to them for treatment. This will help establish a sense of normalcy that can take a lot of anxiety and uncertainty out of the situation. Taking your child to a different dentist each time may cause them significant distress.
A compassionate dentist who is trained to accommodate the special needs of patients can make all the difference for a person with autism. By helping your loved one see the dentist regularly, you can play a key role in preserving their smile for years to come.
Weldon Dental of Rome provides excellent and individualized oral health care to patients in Rome, GA. Led by Drs. Ryan and Leigh Weldon, the staff treats each patient with personalized care that addresses their particular needs. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, pediatric, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental sedation. If you’d like to book a dental appointment for your loved one with autism, contact the office online or dial (706) 232-2082.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
