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Sensory Strategies for the Dentist
Does your child enjoy going to the dentist? Or is it a struggle every time?
Or maybe your child hasn’t been to the dentist yet, but you’re nervous because they already show signs of struggling with sensory processing and transitions to new locations.
This episode is all about WHY your child might struggle at the dentist - from a sensory perspective of course!
Then we dive into a variety of tips, tricks and strategies to help improve success and happiness with going to the dentist.
Be sure to check out all of the links below for additional resources!
We even have a FREE Social Story Template on our FREEBIES page!
Links
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Ep. 63 Product Review: ARK Therapeutic
Sensory Strategies For The Dentist
A trip to the dentist can be overwhelming for any child, but for children with sensory sensitivities, it can feel nearly impossible. The bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, and various sensations in their mouths can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, or avoidance altogether.
If your child struggles with going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Many parents face this challenge, but the good news is there are ways to prepare and support your child for a smoother experience.
Why Some Children Struggle With The Dentist
Before implementing strategies, it’s essential to understand why your child may find the dentist stressful. The dental office is a sensory-heavy environment that impacts all eight sensory systems:
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Visual Input: Bright overhead lights and a new environment with unfamiliar people and tools.
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Auditory Input: The sounds of dental tools, suction devices, and people talking in the background.
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Vestibular Input: The movement of the chair reclining can be disorienting.
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Proprioceptive Input: Sitting still for an extended period, holding the mouth open, and pressure from dental tools.
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Tactile Input: Feeling different textures in the mouth, including gloves, tools, toothpaste, and water.
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Oral Input: Unfamiliar sensations, tastes, and movements inside the mouth.
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Olfactory (Smell) Input: The unique scent of the dental office, fluoride treatments, and cleaning solutions.
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Interoception: Managing discomfort, anxiety, and bodily sensations during the visit.
For children with sensory processing challenges, autism, or anxiety, this combination of input can be overwhelming and lead to avoidance or distress.
Strategies To Make Dental Visits Easier
Now that we understand the challenges, let’s explore some practical ways to help your child prepare for and tolerate a dental visit more successfully.
1. Use A Visual Schedule & Social Story
Many children benefit from a visual schedule that outlines what to expect during the visit. Consider using pictures or drawings to represent each step, from checking in to the cleaning process and leaving.
A social story can also help children understand what happens at the dentist and reinforce that it is a safe and routine experience.
2. Request A Meet & Greet With The Dentist
If possible, call the dental office ahead of time and ask if your child can visit for a short meet and greet before their first appointment. Allow them to see the chair, meet the staff, and even try sitting in the chair without any procedures being done.
3. Play Pretend Dentist At Home
Help your child get comfortable with the sensations they will experience by pretending to be the dentist. Take turns using a flashlight to shine in their mouth, counting their teeth, and using a toothbrush to “clean” them.
You can also practice on a stuffed animal or doll to make the activity fun and engaging.
4. Oral Motor Activities Before The Visit
If your child is sensitive to oral input, gradually desensitizing their mouth can help. Try:
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Blowing bubbles or cotton balls through a straw.
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Using vibrating teethers or electric toothbrushes.
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Drinking from different types of straws (wide, thin, or curly).
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Eating crunchy or chewy foods before the appointment.
These activities help prepare the oral muscles and reduce sensitivity.
5. Bring Sensory Tools For Comfort
Some children benefit from bringing familiar sensory tools to the dentist, such as:
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Weighted blankets or lap pads for calming proprioceptive input.
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Noise-canceling headphones to reduce auditory overload.
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Sunglasses or a hat to block out bright lights.
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A fidget toy or stress ball for comfort.
6. Gradually Introduce Lying Back
Many children feel vulnerable when the chair reclines. To help, practice lying back on different surfaces at home, such as a couch, therapy ball, or hammock swing.
You can also encourage activities that involve being upside-down, like playing “upside-down bowling” or rolling backward over a therapy ball.
7. Use Essential Oils For A Calming Effect
If your child is sensitive to smells, using a familiar, calming scent can help. Try dabbing a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil on a bracelet, scrunchie, or stuffed animal they bring to the appointment.
8. Teach Emotional Regulation Strategies
Using emotion regulation tools, like the Zones of Regulation or the Alert Program, can help your child understand their feelings and identify calming strategies. Deep breathing exercises, counting to 10, or squeezing a stress ball can also be helpful.
9. Watch Videos Of Dental Visits
Show your child videos of other kids having a positive experience at the dentist. This can help them visualize what will happen and reduce fear of the unknown.
10. Communicate With The Dentist
Let the dentist and hygienist know about your child’s sensory needs in advance. Many offices are willing to make accommodations, such as:
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Allowing the child to hold the dental mirror or tools before they are used.
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Using non-mint-flavored toothpaste if mint is too strong.
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Taking breaks as needed.
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Letting the child sit on a parent’s lap if needed.
Final Thoughts
A trip to the dentist doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With preparation, sensory-friendly strategies, and communication with your dental office, you can help your child feel more comfortable and successful.
Remember, every child is different, so try different approaches to see what works best for your family.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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