The Truth About Dental Treatments For Autistic Children

Receiving dental treatment in a dental office is often very difficult and frankly frightening for many children and adults.  It is often more stressful for children and adults with Autism.  The goal is to minimize the need for extensive and complicated dental treatment for more patients,  especially those with special needs and AUTISM.   Minimizing the need for dental treatment is the most important goal because it is impossible to eliminate tooth decay and gum disease.  You can only try to CONTROL them.    
A visit to the dental office often creates anxiety and increases the sensory responses of people with Autism.   My understanding is that three things are very irritating to Autism patients.   1. Laying down on the back, 2.   Loud noises    3.  Bright lights.   These three things occur during a conventional dental visit when mainstream and untrained dental personnel attempt to provide treatment for special needs and AUTISM patients.   

In our office,  we raise the back of the dental chair at 45 degrees,  use only the dental light when necessary,  and use the polishing cleaning handpiece when necessary.  This will minimize the activation of the sensory responses.   The focus is on the clinical exam and the oral hygiene and diet practices at home.   As a dentist,  I see my patients twice a year; the parent or caregiver sees them daily.   

Early evaluation and regular dental checkups are required to get the best immediate and LONG TERM results for extended good oral health.   The majority of patients with AUTISM will become adults with long-term oral and general health care requirements.   The absolute best ingredient in FUTURE toothpaste and gels is XYLITOL.  The only clinically tested toothpaste and gel formulated with XYLITOL are Dr Branam Xylitol products.  They are safe,  effective,  and meant to be ingested in the mouth.   The gel is specifically formulated for patients with oral sensory diagnosis.  I genuinely hope this truthful information benefits you and your family.  

Yours for better oral health,

DR STEVE BRANAM