Going To The Dentist

It is important to find a dentist who is a good match for your child. You can ask questions to help choose the right person.

Look for a dentist who is confident working with neurodivergent children and young people, including those who think, sense, or communicate differently.

Ask the dentist for examples of how they have supported neurodivergent patients. A dentist with experience will understand what helps visits go smoothly and how to help your child feel relaxed and safe.

Preparing for an appointment can help your child know what to expect and get used to what happens at a dental visit.

Here are some simple ways to prepare.

Show what the dentist is like

Stories and videos can help your child see what a dentist visit looks like. This can help them link the pictures to their own appointment.

Example: Peppa Pig – Goes to the Dentist

You can watch short videos or read books showing a child visiting the dentist.

A short practice visit

A short visit before the appointment can help your child get familiar with the place. They can see the bright lights, hear the sounds, and meet the dental team.

This early visit gives you time to discuss any reasonable adjustments your child may need.

Helpful tips during the visit

• Book an appointment at a quieter time to keep the visit calmer.

• Allow plenty of time to travel so no one feels rushed.

• Tell the reception team about any health needs or medicines your child takes.

• Ask if there is a quiet space to wait.

• Agree a simple signal with your child, such as raising a hand if they need a break.

Sometimes dental sedation is needed. Sedation is medicine that helps a person feel calm and relaxed.

It can help when someone feels very anxious about the dentist or when a person’s health may be at risk and they cannot take part in the treatment.

Your dentist will explain how sedation works and whether it is the right option for your child.

Going to the dentist can feel overwhelming for many children, especially those with sensory processing difficulties. Bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, and new tastes can increase anxiety.

As well as preparing with books or videos, distractions can help your child stay calm. If your child has a favourite toy or fidget item, they can bring it with them.

Some clinics have screens for watching a film or TV show. If not, you can bring a tablet or portable DVD player.

You might also use adjustments that help your child in other noisy or busy places, such as:

• a small weighted lap blanket or shoulder wrap

• noise‑cancelling headphones or calming music

• favourite sunglasses to block bright lights

These small changes can make the visit feel safer and more comfortable.

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems for toddlers and children. A cavity (tooth decay) is a small hole in a tooth caused by damage.

Cavities happen when dental plaque builds up. Plaque is a sticky film that forms when bacteria mix with food, acids, and saliva.

If plaque is not cleaned off, it can damage the enamel — the hard outer layer of the tooth — leading to a cavity.

Daily brushing and flossing help stop plaque building up. Cavities often form when children do not brush well or often enough.

Signs your child may have a cavity

Tooth decay does not always hurt. Look for these signs:

• dark spots on a tooth

• white spots on a tooth

• crying or fussiness

• sensitivity to cold foods or drinks

• swelling in the mouth

• avoiding food

• tiredness or low energy

If you think your child has a cavity, book a dentist appointment so they can check and suggest the right treatment.

How dentists treat cavities in children

A dental filling is a common treatment for children with cavities. Fillings can be placed on both baby and adult teeth.

During the procedure, the dentist removes the decay and fills the hole with white composite or metal material.

Saving baby teeth is important because they help children chew and speak and guide adult teeth into the right position. Losing a baby tooth too early can affect how adult teeth grow.

Dentists often fill cavities for very young children, sometimes as young as one or two years old.

Children who play sports have a higher risk of oral injuries such as broken teeth, fractured jaws, or cuts inside the mouth.

Wearing a mouth guard can greatly reduce this risk.

Many teenagers need orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics helps straighten teeth.

Braces are the most common treatment and are usually fitted between ages 10 and 15, but older teens and young adults can have them too.