Visiting the Dentist: Practical Advice

Dental visits can be challenging for children and young people who find new places, bright lights or mouth sensations difficult. With clear preparation, simple routines and the right tools, appointments can be calmer and more predictable.

Also see: Dental Care Advice (sensory-friendly brushing at home)

Safety note: If there is dental pain, swelling, fever or trauma, contact your dentist, 111 or your clinician. This page offers general guidance only.

Who this can help

• Children and young people who find noise, bright lights or new routines overwhelming
• Those who struggle with mouth sensations or toothbrushing at home
• Families and schools supporting first appointments or returning after a difficult experience

Quick wins

• Book for success: ask for a quiet time, first/last slot, and a longer appointment if needed.
• Tell the team: email brief needs in advance (noise, lights, preferred words, “stop” signal).
• Rehearse: practise “open–count–close” at home with a mirror and timer; build up gradually.
• Bring a small kit: ear protection, quiet fidget, sunglasses/visor, preferred toothpaste/brush.
• One change at a time: small, repeated steps usually beat big overhauls.

Prepare & practise at home

• Try different toothbrush textures and toothpaste flavours; unflavoured toothpaste can help if mint is aversive.
• Use an angled toothbrush to reach back teeth with less stretch; start with very short “touch and stop” practice.
• Use a mirror to watch mouth opening; count 1–5 while “checking teeth”, then pause.
• Role-play the sequence: “wait → sit back → open → count → rinse → sticker”.

On the day

• Arrive a few minutes early to settle; agree a “stop” signal (hand raise) with the dentist.
• Use ear protection for waiting areas and noisy tools; consider sunglasses/visor for lights.
• Keep language simple and predictable; offer a quiet fidget during waits.

During the appointment

• Use a brief first–then (“first count to five, then all done”).
• Try a visual or sand timer for short checks; pause between steps.
• For polishing/drilling sounds, add ear defenders or in-ear options if safe and tolerated.

Helpful visuals & stories

Picture stories can reduce uncertainty before a visit. See Books Beyond Words for resources about visiting the dentist.

Products that can help

Pick items that fit age, setting and budget.

• Toothbrushing tools & toothpaste – match textures and flavours to reduce aversion
  • Dr Barman’s Superbrush (Children) – angled toothbrush — helps reach back teeth with less stretch; useful for gradual desensitisation.
  • Oranurse Unflavoured Toothpaste — for those who dislike mint or strong tastes; check fluoride levels as advised.
• Quiet fidgets — hand-busy tools for waiting rooms and transitions
• Chewing aids — acceptable oral input before/after the appointment to protect sleeves and skin
• Weighted products — short, supervised use (e.g., lap pad) to support calm in waiting areas

Tips for success

• Agree exact words with the team (e.g., “count teeth” instead of “examine”).
• Offer choices that don’t change the plan (“glasses or visor?”, “count to three or five?”).
• Plan a positive finish (sticker, favourite song, short walk) and leave while it’s still going well.

Troubleshooting

• Refuses to sit back: try a gradual recline; start upright, then tilt for a short count.
• Distressed by sounds: switch to defenders/earplugs; ask to switch off non-essential tools and dim the light.
• Gag reflex: use very short “touch and stop”, pause, and try again; practise desensitising at home with a soft brush.

Funding & budgets

• Potential funding options for families
• Digital catalogues to compare options by category

Need advice?

Email enquiries@fledglings.org.uk with age, main challenges (noise, lights, mouth sensitivity) and what has helped so far. We’ll suggest options that fit your budget. We accept Purchase Orders. UK delivery from £4.99.

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Related

• Dental Care Advice (home brushing)
• Navigating Auditory Sensory Needs
• Help & Support (overview)

Last reviewed: 14 September 2025