Part I: Challenges in Preventive Care

Children with ASD experience difficulties with proper oral care due to…

• Toothbrush as a “foreign object”
  • Brushing with a toothbrush is an unfamiliar experience with an unfamiliar object
    • The only things they put in their mouth are food or beverages, which they swallow, or their thumb or pacifier that they suck.
• Uncomfortable activity--> Anxiety and negative reactions
• Anxiety towards toothbrushing
  • Not an enjoyable activity
  • Not an intuitive activity
  • Coordination of toothbrushing movements
    • Children with ASD have a wide spectrum of functionality
    • Difficulty holding the toothbrush and learning brushing motions
    • Sensitivity to toothbrushing and toothpaste
      • Too much stimulation along gums from brushing action
      • Minty flavor of toothpaste may be too strong