Sensory Processing Disorder Dentist Ideas For Kids 

Jeanette Loftus 

Going to the dentist can be difficult for those who don't struggle with anxiety or Sensory Processing Disorder. It can be extremely challenging for a child or an adult.

As a parent, one of the most daunting tasks can be taking your child to the dentist. For a child with Sensory Processing Disorder this experience can be even more challenging.

This can result in children being overly sensitive or under sensitive to certain stimuli, making a trip to the dentist a sensory overload for them.

I wanted to create a list of ideas to help those who find dental appointments as stressful as my children and I do. There are strategies and tools to ease anxieties, reduce stress and make it a lot easier to go to the dentist.

1. Play calming music in your child's headphones to listen too during the appointment.

2. Dress your child in tighter clothing (compression clothing) or heavy (weighted clothing for their appointment.

3. Use vibration sensory tools to help your child before their dental appointment (electric toothbrush/Nuk Brush)

4. Wearing an X-ray vest during your child's appointment can provide deep pressure.

5. Explain what happens at the dentist to your child step by step so they know what to expect.

6. Bring fidget toys to the dentist for your child to distract them.

7. Practice breathing and mindful activities in the day prior and day of your child's dental appointment.

8. Schedule your child's dentist appointment around their most regulated time during the day.

9. Provide a chewy snack for your child before visiting the dentist.

10. Heavy work activities to fill their sensory diet before their dentist appointment. (proprioceptive input)

11. Use toothettes on your child's gums and teeth before their dental appointments.

12. Read social stories to your child a week or two prior to their appointment so they are prepared.

13. Wearing sunglasses can be very beneficial for blocking out the dentist's bright lights.

14. Take your child to a pediatric dentist who is familiar with Sensory Processing Disorder.

15. If it will be easier for your child, ask their dentist to dim their lighting.

16. Bring noise-cancelling headphones to your child's dental appointment.

17. Bring a weighted lap pad, sensory weighted vest or weighted animal to your child's dental visit for calming and extra proprioceptive input.

18. Talk to your child and communicate with them during their dental exam.

19. Ask your child's dentist if they can offer different flavors.

20. Explain your child's needs before you attend and ask if they have a trained professional to work with your child.

For some children with sensory differences, even with all the preparation and accommodations, a trip to the dentist may still be too overwhelming. Sedation dentistry may be an option. This involves administering medication to help your child relax and feel more at ease during the appointment. Consult with your child’s dentist and ask what would be best for your child and what options are available.

Taking a child with sensory processing disorder to the dentist may be a challenging task, but with the right preparations and accommodations, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient and understanding, and work with your child’s dentist to find the best approach for your child.