A Visit to the Dentist: How to Stay Calm?

There is hardly anyone who doesn’t feel anxious before dental treatment. For autistic individuals, even a simple check-up, not just a procedure, can cause intense emotions. However, dental care is essential for them, as they are more prone to issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth damage, especially in childhood.

Autistic individuals often experience heightened sensory sensitivity, which makes dental visits overwhelming. The stress they endure can lead to severe anxiety, unpredictable behavior, and even meltdowns. Fortunately, parents can take several steps to help their child develop good oral hygiene habits and reduce emotional distress before a dental visit.

Preparing for the Visit

• Explain in Advance. Autistic individuals handle new situations better when they know what to expect. Before the visit, parents should describe what will happen in simple, clear phrases. If a child has limited verbal skills, visual aids such as pictures or objects can be used to provide additional context.
• Gradual Exposure. The unfamiliar environment, sounds, and smells of a dental office can be overwhelming. To ease the transition, multiple short visits for minor procedures can help a child become accustomed to the setting. Even sitting in the dental chair without treatment can be a helpful first step.
• Stay Calm Yourself. Parents should use a soothing tone when speaking to their child and vary the volume and speed of their speech to maintain engagement. Ensuring that every dental visit ends on a positive note can reinforce a sense of security.

Making the Experience More Comfortable

• Consistent Dentist. Sticking with the same dental professional allows the child to gradually feel more comfortable with the staff and environment.
• Distraction Techniques. To prevent the child from fixating on the procedure, parents can provide noise-canceling headphones with calming music or give them a comforting object, such as a soft toy or a stress-relief item.
• Positive Reinforcement. If the child successfully manages a dental visit, rewarding them with a sticker, small toy, or their favorite meal at home can create a positive association. Consistent rewards encourage cooperation in future visits.

Addressing the Root Cause: A Long-Term Solution

Reducing sensory overload is essential, but the most effective way to address behavioral challenges is by tackling the root cause—autism itself. One of the most advanced and promising methods is cell therapy, a cutting-edge medical innovation that has gained widespread recognition.

This approach involves transplanting the patient’s own stem cells, eliminating the risk of rejection. These cells can transform into healthy neural cells, replacing damaged ones in the brain. As a result, autism symptoms significantly improve or even disappear, with lasting effects that enhance the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions.

Leading clinics worldwide, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, specialize in this treatment. Their highly experienced medical professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver successful results. Additionally, the clinic offers more affordable treatment options compared to other top medical institutions and provides support for travel and accommodation arrangements.

Cell therapy: A breakthrough in overcoming autism!