Special dental needs of autistic children must be attended to By Dr. Cavan Brunsden Autistic children present a special challenge to the dental community. They require and deserve all of the dental services that are provided to the typical child, but are often neglected for many different reasons. The autistic child is at high risk for dental disease for the following reasons: • They are often orally sensitive, which makes it difficult and often impossible to provide routine at-home oral health care. • Their parents avoid the dental visit because of preconceived fears about the difficulties associated with a routine dental visit. • Autistic children often have oral habits such as chewing and biting which alters the position of their teeth and makes their smile less than attractive. • Correction of a poor bite is perceived as next to impossible. • Frequent trauma from accidents injures the front teeth of autistic children. • Behavioral management and intervention is often rewarded with candy, leading to an increased decay rate. • Poor eating habits as well as pacification eating and drinking leads to the consumption of many decay-creating snacks and drinks. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to provide dental care to the autistic child as well as to the entire special needs community.There are many organizations that list pediatric dentists who are prepared to treat the autistic child and parents should contact COSAC, POAC,Autism Speaks, and other groups that advocate for this special community. KidZdent Special Needs Dental Center is a model dental care center designed to serve the needs of the community of patients with special health care needs.The goal of this center is to provide the highest level of dental care to the patients, in a dental setting designed for their special needs, and to help them achieve their highest potential. At KidZdent, they recognize that the traditional dental setting often presents barriers to the autistic community and that's why they decided to remove these barriers.They have designed an office environment and treatment areas with the needs of this special community in mind. The approach includes community outreach programs,parent educational programs, individual dental education plans, behavioral therapy concepts, and a sedation center. The KidZdent Special Needs Dental Center is a group of skilled professionals who have developed a caring and compassionate approach to achieving the highest potential for a community of very special patients. Dr.Cavan Brunsden practices at KidZdent, located at 2455 Route 516, Old Bridge. For more information, call (732) 679-2323.