Raising a child with autism can present a number of challenges, one common difficulty is handling an autistic child with a loose tooth.
We explore below why an autistic child may be faced with a wide range of emotions from having a loose tooth.
Autism and loosing teeth
As a parent, you may have noticed that your autistic child reacts in unexpected ways to various situations.
One of those such situations might be when they have a loose tooth.
While it can be puzzling to see your child distressed or overly fascinated by a wiggly tooth, there are underlying reasons for their reactions that stem from their autism.
By delving into the world of autism and understanding your child’s sensory experiences, you can provide the support and comfort they need during this transitional phase.
Sensory factors
The sensation of a loose tooth can trigger a wide range of sensory responses in an autistic child, leading to either distress or fascination.
For some autistic children, the sensation of a loose tooth can be overwhelming.
The unexpected change in their mouths sensory landscape may lead to feelings of distress and discomfort.
They might find the sensation of a wiggly tooth irritating or even painful, causing them to become agitated.
This discomfort might be exacerbated by difficulties in expressing their feelings verbally, leading to heightened frustration.
In addition the mouth is often a really focal point for autistic children exploring their senses. Mouthing objects or their fingers is extremely common.
So if their mouth is already a focus for their attention, this drastic change of loosing a tooth naturally would spark interest or distress.
Fixed interests
On the flip side, an autistic child’s fascination with a loose tooth can stem from their unique patterns of focused interest.
Many autistic children have intense passions for specific subjects, this can range from a toy to something abstract like a spoon.
Therefore the novelty of a loose tooth might captivate their attention.
Their fascination could be a result of the tooth’s unique texture or the sensation of movement.
It may also simply be the intriguing nature of the physical change happening in their mouth.
Change in oral routine
It is commonly known that many autistic children find comfort in routine and predicability.
That feeling of comfort regularly stems from knowing what they know. For example they may be drawn to a particular apparatus in a particular park.
This is due to the fact they feel comfortable playing with it and there aren’t likely to be any unsuspected surprises.
An autistic child’s mouth is no different.
Since they can remember they have roamed around their mouth with their tongue and everything’s been as is.
So for suddenly a tooth to start to come loose it can be a break to the predicability they previously knew.
What parents can do
As a parent, your understanding can make a significant difference in helping your autistic child here.
Your support will help comfort them and assist to navigate the experience of a loose tooth.
Here are some strategies to consider;
Communicate
Depending on your child’s level of communication and understanding, try to communicate clearly to them what’s happening.
You could use visual aids, social stories, or other communication tools to explain the process of a loose tooth and its eventual conclusion.
This can help alleviate anxiety related to the unknown.
Assist with their sensory needs
You could try introducing sensory tools like chewable or fidget toys to provide sensory input.
These can not only distract your child, they can help them manage their distress.
There are a wide range of options available but here are a couple of popular options on Amazon.
Support routine
This links very much into the communication angles but try to set your child up to know what is coming.
Preparing them can include watching YouTube cartoons around teeth loss or reading books on the subject.
There are even games and toys which involve removal of teeth which may be of assistance.
You can also use the loose tooth to help explore growth and development in children.
Another option is to engage in hands-on activities like crafting tooth-themed artwork or models.
Reward progress
This can be a tricky topic to consider because rewarding progress may involve drawing attention back to the tooth.
However if your child is showing improved comfort with the idea of a loose tooth, try to reward this. You could explain to your child how ‘grown up’ they are being about it as an example.
Summary – Autistic child and a loose tooth
Every child, regardless of neuro-diversity, experiences moments of curiosity, discomfort, and wonder.
For an autistic child, the experience of a loose tooth may hold a special significance due to their sensory processing and unique ways of engaging with the world.
By understanding their responses and offering tailored support, you can help your child navigate this transitional phase.
Remember, your patience and guidance are the cornerstones of overcoming challenge in their young lives.
