April is celebrated as Autism Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the incredible diversity of the autism community. At Pandit Clinic, Dentistry for Children, Teens and Special Needs, a leading exclusive pediatric dental practice in Pune, we understand the unique needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when it comes to oral health. Dr. Pratibha Kukreja Pandit, our highly experienced and compassionate kids dentist, is dedicated to providing positive dental experiences for all children, especially those with developmental challenges like ASD.
With the help of this blog, Dr Pratibha wishes to delve into the specific challenges faced by children with ASD in maintaining day to day oral hygiene and in a dental setting and explores the strategies and solutions we offer at Pandit Clinic, Dentistry for Children, Teens and Special Needs to create a positive and successful dental experience for every child.
Understanding the Challenges:
Children on the Spectrum can experience a range of challenges that impact their oral health care. These may include:
- Sensory sensitivity: The sights, sounds, smells, and textures associated with a dental setting can be overwhelming for some children with ASD.
- Social interaction: Difficulty with communication and social interaction can make it challenging for children with ASD to understand and cooperate during dental procedures.
- Developmental disability: Children with ASD may have difficulty learning and practicing good oral hygiene habits at home.
Challenges faced by children with ASD can lead to specific oral health concerns. For example:
- Increased risk of tooth decay: Difficulty with brushing and flossing, along with potential dietary habits, can increase the risk of cavities.
- Gum disease: Similar challenges can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Dental injuries: Chewing on hard objects, dental trauma or self-injurious behaviors can cause chipped or broken teeth.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding): This can be more common in children with ASD and can lead to tooth wear.
Digging Deeper: Dental Care for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Creating a Positive Dental Experience:
At Pandit Clinic, Dentistry for Children, Teens and Special Needs, we take a holistic approach to caring for children with ASD. Dr. Pratibha, with her extensive experience in pediatric dentistry, implements strategies to ensure a comfortable and positive dental experience for every child. Here’s what sets us apart:
Pre-Appointment Preparation:
Dr. Pratibha shares a personalized video with the child and caregiver showcasing the clinic environment,the interiors, friendly staff, and calming atmosphere. This is particularly useful for sensitizing children to the new place that they will be visiting.
Social stories and other resources are offered to help prepare the child for the dental visit.
A Welcoming Environment:
Our clinic in Pune is designed to be accessible and calming, with features like wheelchair accessibility and elevators. Our friendly and experienced staff are trained to be patient, empathetic, and understanding towards children with ASD.
The waiting room and procedure room offers a variety of distractions, including toys, cartoons on a TV, and comfortable seating to help children feel relaxed during their appointments.
Tailored Communication:
Dr. Pratibha utilizes clear, concise communication techniques and visual aids to ensure the child understands the procedures. She adapts her approach based on the individual needs and comfort level of each child.
Addressing Sensory Sensitivities:
We offer noise-canceling headphones, soft-bristled brushes, and other tools to manage sensory sensitivities during appointments.
Breaks are readily available to allow the child to adjust and feel comfortable.
Working Together for Optimal Oral Health:
Beyond the dental setting, we at Pandit Clinic, Dentistry for Children, Teens and Special Needs understand that a successful oral health routine for children with ASD requires collaboration between our team and parents or caregivers. We believe in empowering you to create a positive and consistent oral hygiene experience at home. Here’s how we work together to achieve optimal oral health for your child:
- Establishing a Personalized Oral Hygiene Routine:
- Consultation with Dr. Pratibha: During your child’s appointment, Dr. Pratibha will conduct a thorough dental examination and discuss your child’s specific needs and challenges. She will then collaborate with you to develop a personalized oral hygiene routine that is:
- Age-appropriate: The routine will consider your child’s developmental stage and motor skills. For younger children, Dr. Pratibha may recommend finger brushing with a soft silicone brush before transitioning to a traditional toothbrush.
- Time-sensitive: Keeping appointments short and focused can be beneficial for children with ASD. Dr. Pratibha will suggest ways to break down brushing and flossing into manageable steps.
- Sensory-friendly: We can discuss options like using soft-bristled brushes, sponge brushes,flavored toothpaste (if appropriate), or alternative tools like electric toothbrushes if they appeal to your child.
- Diet Counselling: We understand that many children are advised specific diets by their Pediatricians, so we can advise diet modifications around those plans
- Visual Aids and Schedules: Creating a visual schedule with pictures or pictograms can help your child understand the steps involved in the routine and anticipate what comes next.
- Practice at the Clinic: Dr. Pratibha will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques on a model and allow your child to practice with you under her guidance.
- Positive Reinforcement Techniques:
- Finding What Works: Every child responds differently to motivation. Dr. Pratibha can help you identify what motivates your child, whether it’s sticker charts, verbal praise, or a reward system.
- Focus on Progress: Celebrate small victories! Acknowledge and reward your child’s efforts, no matter how small. This will help build confidence and maintain a positive association with oral hygiene routines.
- Making it Fun: Turn brushing and flossing into a game! Use timers with fun sounds, sing songs together, or create a story about fighting cavity monsters with a toothbrush.
- Consistency is Key: The key to success is establishing a consistent routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are crucial for good oral health.
- Communication and Support:
- Open Communication: We encourage open communication between you and Dr. Pratibha. Feel free to share any challenges or questions you have about maintaining your child’s oral hygiene routine at home.
- Additional Resources: We can provide you with additional resources, such as websites or printable charts, to support you in establishing a successful oral hygiene routine for your child with ASD.
By working together and implementing these strategies, we can ensure that your child develops healthy oral hygiene habits that will contribute to a lifetime of good oral health.
- Dental treatment under General anesthesia:
Though most preventive dental treatments can be completed on the dental chair with behavior modification techniques, extensive treatments like root canal treatment/ pulpectomy in milk teeth, dental extractions or fillings may necessitate the use of General Anesthesia due to limited cooperation. Our clinic is well equipped with the facility of General Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide sedation.
Dr. Pratibha's Expertise:
Dr. Pratibha’s qualifications and vast experience in pediatric and special needs dentistry make her uniquely qualified to care for children with ASD. She has undergone training in advanced areas like dental rehabilitation for children with special needs. Her gentle and compassionate approach has helped countless children with ASD maintain good oral health.
At Pandit Clinic, Dentistry for Children, Teens and Special Needs, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care for all children in Pune, including those with ASD. By understanding the specific challenges faced by children with autism spectrum disorder and creating a positive and supportive environment, we ensure a smooth and successful dental experience for every child.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you are looking for a dentist for kids with autism in Pune, contact Pandit Clinic, Dentistry for Children, Teens and Special Needs today. We are here to help your child achieve a healthy and happy smile!
Virtual Video Consultations
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Start here, by making an appointment for a virtual consultation with our expert Dr. Pratibha Kukreja Pandit (NEW PATIENTS ONLY).
Dr. Pratibha Kukreja Pandit is available for Virtual Video Consultations from Monday – Saturday between the hours of 11 am – 2pm and 4pm – 7pm.
If you are already our valued patient with questions or have an emergency please contact the clinic on +91 9822053446
Consult Dr. Pratibha Kukreja Pandit
(Pediatric Dentist)
Virtual Video Consultation Fees Rs. 500
The Consultation Fees Must Be Paid Online by GOOGLE PAY BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT. See The Instructions On Appointment Confirmations
Your virtual video consultation includes:
- Discussion of problems that your child is facing like tooth pain, swelling or any other emergencies
- Dr. Pratibha will recommend a course of treatment or medications for your child.
Dr. Pratibha Kukreja Pandit
BDS, MDSMeet the Doctor
Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Specialist
Dr. Pratibha is the Chief Dentist at Pandit Clinic. She is also a Consultant Pediatric Dentist at Kotbagi Hospital and KEM Hospital, Pune.
Dr. Pratibha has trained at the prestigious Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, in advanced areas including Pediatric dental treatment under General Anesthesia and Intravenous sedation, Dental Rehabilitation of children with special health care needs, and Nasoalveolar molding and dental rehabilitation of cleft lip and cleft palate.
She’s the lifetime member of Student Clinician Association, American Dental Association (SCADA), USA.
Professional Affiliations and Skills
- Trained in Pediatric dental treatment under General Anesthesia and Intravenous sedation at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
- Trained in Dental Rehabilitation of children with special health care needs at CGMH, Taiwan
- Trained in Nasoalveolar molding and dental rehabilitation of Cleft lip and Cleft Palate at craniofacial centre, CGMH, Taiwan
- Awarded Lifetime membership, SCADA (Student Clinician Association, American Dental Association), USA.
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