Around 10% of kids between the ages of 3-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. With proper learning techniques, behavioral approaches, and medication, kids with ADHD can thrive in school, build great relationships, and have excellent lives.
But when it’s time for a stressful situation like a dental visit, all of that can go out the window. If you’re struggling to help your child with ADHD get the dental care they need, we understand. At SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in caring for children with ADHD and other special needs.
So in this guide, we’ll go over some of the best ways you can make dental visits with ADHD go more smoothly for your child. Read on, learn more, and see how you can make sure your child gets the dental care they deserve for a healthy smile.
There are lots of ways that ADHD can affect dental visits. First, kids with ADHD tend to have a higher risk of tooth decay. Since ADHD makes it harder for kids to maintain their schedules and take care of their teeth, they may be more likely to neglect their oral health and develop cavities.
When it comes to visiting a pediatric dentist, ADHD can manifest in lots of different ways. Your child may misbehave while waiting for their visit or while in the dentist’s chair, have difficulties sitting still, and ignore instructions or directions from your or their dentist.
Overall, ADHD makes it harder for kids to cooperate during dental visits. This is tough enough during checkups, but is even more difficult if your child needs a dental procedure that requires them to sit still for an extended period of time, like getting a filling or a crown.
So, why do kids with ADHD have such a hard time at the dentist? One of the simplest answers is… Anxiety! If your child feels anxious about an upcoming dental visit because they're worried about pain, discomfort, or just feeling a loss of control while visiting the dentist, this can make their behavioral symptoms worse.
The best way to overcome this is by making dental visits a positive experience. Choosing the right dentist goes a long way when it comes to reducing dental anxiety. When you choose a pediatric dentist like Dr. Ben Liu at SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry, you can get expert care in a child-friendly environment.
It’s also a good idea to start bringing your child to the dentist as early as possible in their childhood. The sooner they start seeing the dentist and getting dental care, the more likely it is that they will build positive associations with dentistry.
Sedation dentistry is also an option for children who are very anxious about dentistry. With sedation at SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry, your child can feel more comfortable and relaxed, or even sleep through their visit with Dr. Liu.
If your child has ADHD, a smoother visit starts at home. Before they even step into a dentist’s office, there are some techniques that you can use to make things easier for you and your little one:
When things are familiar, they aren’t so scary! We recommend watching some YouTube videos or checking out children’s books about dentistry from the library. Go for educational materials that are fun, bright, and colorful. These have been proven to be helpful in educating kids with ADHD about oral health!
Want to have some fun? After they learn a little bit about dentistry, you and your child can take turns playing dentist. You can use a flashlight and toothbrush to perform “oral exams” and “teeth cleanings” at home and make the process a little more approachable.
Morning visits are great for kids with ADHD. They’ll be well-rested and more calm in the morning. Also, if your child does take any ADHD medication, it will usually start work before their dental appointment, which will make behavioral issues less likely.
Dental visits for kids with ADHD can be stressful. But as a parent, there are a few ways you can help your child relax during their checkup, stay calm, and get the care they need for a healthy smile.
Simple deep breathing exercises can help your child calm down, relax, and feel more comfortable. Have them breathe in deeply through their nose, hold it for a moment, and exhale through their mouth. There are lots of YouTube videos you can use to help teach your child this technique!
A toy, tablet, or gaming console can help distract your child while they wait for their appointment. During their visit, holding a comfort item like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal can also help them feel more comfortable during dental treatment.
During your child’s visit, your dentist may let them wear headphones and listen to music or watch their favorite videos or shows. Some pediatric dentists even offer TVs with their own headphones to make this easier. Fidget tools are also a great way to distract your child while they're sitting in the dentist’s chair.
Parents aren’t the only ones who can help kids with ADHD feel more comfortable and relaxed during dental visits. Pediatric dentists like Dr. Liu use a wide variety of techniques and tools to make kids feel welcome, relaxed, and comfortable during their checkups.
Many pediatric dentists will let you come in with your child for an office visit that doesn’t involve any dental treatment. Your child can explore the office, learn more about dentistry, and get introduced to their dentist. This makes them feel more comfortable when it’s time for their real appointment.
At SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Liu can treat your child with a “Tell-Show-Do” approach, which has been shown to be highly effective for kids with ADHD.
First, he will “Tell” your little one what he’s about to do and explain why it’s important in a child-friendly way. Then, he will “Show” your child the tools and materials that he’ll use. Finally, he will “Do” the next step of the procedure once your child is ready.
For some kids with ADHD, it may simply not be possible to sit through a two-hour visit. If your child needs multiple fillings or any other complex care, their dentist can split it up into smaller, more approachable appointments.
At SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a full range of sedation options including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and deep IV sedation. If you have a child with ADHD and they need a little bit of extra help relaxing during their visit, sedation may be a great choice. Dental sedation is safe, effective, and will help reduce stress both for you and your little one.
After your child’s visit, there are a few steps you can take to build positive associations with dentistry and help them feel better about checkups, teeth cleanings, and other dental visits.
Whether or not your visit went well, it’s a good idea to reward your child after their dental visit. You could buy them a small toy, get lunch at their favorite restaurant, or just go to the park after their visit. A little reward can go a long way!
Your child’s dentist will give you tips and instructions to follow to keep your child’s mouth healthy at home. Keep their teeth brushing routine consistent, and consider using things like timers and visual aids to make sure they brush correctly and for the right period of time.
Last-minute surprises can be really tough for children with ADHD. So when it’s time for your child’s next dental visit, we recommend letting them know about it a few weeks in advance. This gives you plenty of time to set expectations, answer their questions, and take steps to make their next visit smooth and simple.
Dental visits for kids with ADHD don’t have to be a struggle, either for you or your child. By taking steps to educate them about dentistry, empowering them with calming techniques, and choosing the right pediatric dentist, you can keep your child’s smile healthy with less stress.
Wondering where to start? At SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Ben Liu has extensive experience treating children of all ages with ADHD in the Washington, DC metro area. Dr. Liu and our team offer the patient, gentle, and judgment-free care you need to keep your little one’s smile healthy. Contact us online to schedule your child’s visit at one of our five locations in the DC area.
We can’t wait to meet you! Contact one of our five convenient locations around the DC area.
We are excited to announce the GRAND OPENING of our fifth Superkids office in Mt Vernon, VA. Accepting new patients starting January 16th, 2023!
