Challenges and solutions in managing dental problems in children with autism

Table 15 Recommendations for improving dental care in children with autism spectrum disorder

Target audience	Key recommendations	Expected benefits
Caregivers	Implement structured oral hygiene routines using visual schedules, sensory-friendly toothbrushes, and non-foaming toothpaste	Improves cooperation, reduces sensory aversions, and establishes consistent oral care habits
	Use positive reinforcement strategies (e.g., rewards, social stories, or gamification) to encourage daily brushing and flossing	Enhances motivation and engagement in oral hygiene
	Seek ASD-trained dental professionals and schedule pre-visit desensitization sessions	Reduces dental anxiety and improves cooperation during clinical visits
	Encourage a balanced diet with limited sugary or acidic foods and promote water intake for oral health	Reduces risk of cavities and acid erosion
	Consider probiotic supplements (if recommended) to support oral microbiota and prevent dental caries	Enhances oral microbial balance and reduces inflammation
Dentists & dental professionals	Adapt the dental environment (dim lights, noise reduction, weighted blankets, sensory-friendly tools)	Minimizes sensory overload and improves patient comfort
	Use visual communication aids (picture schedules, social stories, and modeling videos)	Enhances understanding and predictability for ASD patients
	Implement gradual desensitization protocols and behavioral techniques (Tell-Show-Do method, distraction strategies)	Increases patient cooperation and reduces dental fear
	Provide ASD-specific training for dental staff to enhance communication and behavioral management skills	Improves patient-dentist interaction and treatment success
	Offer shorter, flexible, or split appointments based on patient needs	Reduces stress and increases the likelihood of completing treatment
	Use alternative sedation techniques (if necessary), ensuring safe administration for children with severe anxiety or sensory issues	Enhances safety while ensuring comprehensive treatment completion
Policymakers & healthcare administrators	Increase access to ASD-specialized dental training in dental schools and continuing education programs	Expands the workforce of ASD-trained dental professionals
	Implement insurance policies that cover ASD-specific dental care (e.g., behavioral adaptations, extended visits, sedation if necessary)	Reduces financial barriers to receiving specialized dental care
	Promote interdisciplinary collaboration between pediatricians, occupational therapists, behavioral specialists, and dentists	Creates a holistic approach to ASD dental care and improves patient outcomes
	Support the development of digital applications and tele-dentistry solutions to assist ASD families with home-based oral care	Increases accessibility to oral health education and remote guidance
	Encourage funding for research on ASD dental care interventions, including behavioral adaptations, probiotics, and technology-driven solutions	Drives innovation in evidence-based ASD-specific dental practices

ASD: Autism spectrum disorder.