Sensory Safe Dental Experiences: What Parents and Providers Should Know

Oral health is a critical part of overall well-being, but for many children in the United States, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it remains one of the most unmet healthcare needs. As the prevalence of ASD continues to rise—with 1 in 36 children now diagnosed (Stein Duker et al., 2023)—dental providers are encountering more patients with unique sensory needs that impact both home-based oral care and in-office treatment. But, we can create sensory safe dental experiences for these kids.

Children with ASD often experience sensory processing disorders (up to 95% of them, according to Cermak et al., 2015), leading to heightened sensitivity to common dental stimuli: bright lights, the taste and smell of oral care products, tactile sensations in and around the mouth, and the loud sounds of dental instruments. These overwhelming inputs can trigger distress, uncooperative behaviors, and even physical resistance, making routine dental visits especially challenging.

Research shows a clear link between sensory integration difficulties and poorer oral health outcomes (Potter et al., 2018). Parents frequently report difficulty with at-home brushing, sometimes resorting to physical restraint due to their child’s sensory sensitivities (Mansoor et al., 2018). These challenges highlight the urgent need for dental professionals to not only understand the sensory profiles of their patients but also to be equipped with strategies and tools to accommodate them.

Occupational therapists (OTs) bring valuable expertise in sensory regulation and behavior management. By working together, OTs and dental teams can co-develop care strategies tailored to individual sensory needs. This partnership can be transformative—not only for patients, but also for families and dental professionals seeking more effective and compassionate care approaches.

Desensitization Strategies

Here are some desensitization strategies to help provide sensory safe dental experiences for your children that will gradually expose them to the feared stimulus in a controlled and safe environment.

• Storytime: Read books about visiting the dentist. Choose stories that feature characters going to the dentist, explaining what happens during the visit. This can help kids understand the process. Here is a social story you can watch together.
• Role-Playing: Set up a mock dental office at home. Use toy dental tools and let your child take turns being the dentist and the patient. This can help reduce anxiety by familiarizing them with the environment.
• Dental Hygiene Demonstration: Show your child how to brush and floss their teeth properly. Use a large model of teeth to demonstrate the correct technique. This activity emphasizes the importance of dental care.
• Create a Visual Schedule: Make a visual schedule of what will happen at the dentist. Include pictures and simple steps (e.g., check-in, waiting, seeing the dentist) to help your child know what to expect.
• Talk About Feelings: Have a discussion about feelings related to visiting the dentist. Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings, which can help normalize their emotions and reduce fear.
• Craft Activity: Have your child create a “dentist visit” booklet where they draw or paste pictures of what they think they will see or do at the dentist. This can be a fun way to engage them and reinforce learning.
• Watch a Video: Find a short educational video about a dental visit designed for children. Visuals can help kids understand what to expect during their appointment.
• Practice Deep Breathing: Teach your child deep breathing techniques to help them relax before and during their dentist visit. Practice together so they feel more comfortable using these techniques.
• Discuss Rewards: Talk about the rewards they might receive after their appointment, such as a sticker or a small toy. This can create a positive association with the visit.
• Visit a Dentist: If possible, visit a local dental office prior to your child’s appointment. The office can give a tour, can explain their roles, answer questions, and possibly show some dental tools in a friendly way.

Other Items to Consider for Sensory Safe Dental Experiences

• Have parents provide deep oral pressure or vibration using an electric tooth or Z-vibe prior to dental the visit.
• Engage in sensory circuit/heavy work right before the appointment (i.e. pushing/pulling/lifting/jumping).
• Have child eat something very chewy prior to their appointment.
• Bring child’s favorite pair of sunglasses to wear for the appointment.
• Wear a heavy/tight beanie, earmuffs, noise reduction earplugs, or listen to calming/rhythmic music over headphones.
• A fidget toy or a favorite stuffed animal to hold.
• Bring a weighted blanket/vest or ask to wear the x-ray apron throughout the appointment.

References

1. Cermak, S. A., Stein Duker, L. I., Williams, M. E., Dawson, M. E., Lane, C. J., & Polido, J. C. (2015). Sensory adapted dental environments to enhance oral care for children with autism spectrum disorders: A randomized controlled pilot study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(9), 2876–2888. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2450-5
2. Mansoor, D., Al Halabi, M., Khamis, A. H., & Kowash, M. (2018). Oral health challenges facing Dubai children with autism spectrum disorder at home and in accessing oral health care. European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 19(2), 127–133. https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2018.19.02.06
3. Potter, C. N., Wetzel, J. L., & Learman, K. E. (2018). Effect of sensory adaptations for routine dental care in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A preliminary study. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 44(3), 305–314. https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2017.1409597 
4. Stein Duker, L. I., Como, D. H., Jolette, C., Vigen, C., Gong, C. L., Williams, M. E., Polido, J. C., Floríndez-Cox, L. I., & Cermak, S. A. (2023). Sensory adaptations to improve physiological and behavioral distress during dental visits in autistic children: A randomized crossover trial. Journal of American Medical Association Network Open, 6(6). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.16346