Tips For Taking Your Child To The Dentist When They Have Asperger's
Posted on: 24 September 2015
If you are worried about your child's up-and-coming dental exam due to their Asperger's, there are tips you and the dentist can follow to help make the appointment go smoothly. Make sure the dentist is willing to take the extra time to work with your child in a way that helps them feel secure. Use the tips in this article during the appointment to see a much more relaxed child:
Allow your child time to explore: Both you and the dentist should give your child some extra time to look around and become comfortable in the exam room. Also, it will help if the dentist shows your child some of the tools they plan on using and explains how they work.
Inform them of what's going to happen next: Children with Asperger's don't like to be surprised or caught off guard. Therefore, you and the dentist want to keep them informed of what's going to take place next.
Try to keep the exam non-invasive: You and the dentist should work together to make the exam as non-invasive as possible. Prompt the dentist to use their fingers as much as possible to examine your child's mouth and teeth. The fewer the number of intimidating tools your child is exposed to in one visit, the smoother the exam will go.
Keep the number of people down: If an assistant is not absolutely necessary, then there shouldn't be extra people in the room. If possible, it should just be your child, you and the dentist in the exam room.
Allow your child to hold their favorite toy during the exam: If your child is allowed to hold on to their favorite toy during the exam, it may help them to feel better about the appointment and it also gives them something else to focus their attention on.
Use methods used at home: You know your child best. Use some of the methods you would use at home when your child gets anxious. Some children feel more secure when they are wrapped in a light blanket, others may not be helped by this. Some children may respond well to being able to hold your hand and others may not want to be touched when they are in the chair.
By following the advice in this article, you will have an easier time at the dentist with your child. This means you won't have to worry about stressing out over their next appointment. For further assistance, contact a local dentist, such as Scott W. Murphy, D.M.D., P.A.
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