Teeth: Not sure how long DS will have them for at this rate...

[tallwivglasses]

I've read lots of advice about teeth-cleaning and children with ASD and we've followed most of it and tried practically everything. It's been a struggle but DS is 12 and has had no cavities.

Recently brushing his teeth has got harder - it takes 2 of us, he struggles and attacks us and it feels like we're torturing him

In the last few days his gums have gone bright red and are bleeding. He has an appointment with the sn dentist tomorrow but there's no guarantee he'll co-operate or even open his mouth.

Does anyone know if the dental hospital will be able to aneasthatise (sp?) him and give him a good examination/scrape and polish? (And maybe we could cut his nails and hair at the same time...)

Is there anything that can be done privately? (I'm poor but desperate)

What are those throwaway chewable brush things called that you can buy at service stations and airports that people keep suggesting but nobody can remember the name of?

I feel so guilty that I've let this happen. DS is such a beautiful smiley boy and I'm so scared he's going to be in a lot of pain and lose his teeth.

Please - can anyone help?

Hi Tall
My youngest is the same. Had 4 teeth out recently under general in hospital with his SN dentist. He gave them a good scrape etc while he was under as he's a nightmare and pulls my hair, screams etc...
If he needs fillings it may be worth asking for a general; no way would mine cope with anything like that without one!
Good luck

Thanks unpa. He's unlikely to need fillings, but they can't ever properly examine him - we try and distract ds, keep his hands down, etc, while spraying water into his mouth (which he likes). The dentist sticks a toothbrush in and gets a quick glance if we're lucky before ds starts struggling and showing signs of serious discomfort.

And sometimes we have to restrain him to have enemas. I hate it, hate it! When I ask for advice, I get 'Tell him a social story.'

Sorry, rant over.

Oops, sorry, just got your name. Too clever for me!

quite like unpa

Thank you imogen - for the site and the sympathy

Don't worry Tall most call me Unpa!

My boys are the same so i really do sympathise (they have fragile x syndrome and autism). They are also bigger than me!!!
Had nightmares with the youngest over the milk teeth thing as the dentist said it in front of him and the appt wasn't for another 6 weeks so I had 6 weeks of anxiety, wet beds, temper and so on...
A social story helped a little, not a lot but better than nothing.
Is there anyone your son is close to, like an older brother or sister, support worker, relative who could go with you?
My eldest daughter and her fella came to the hospital (it was like a family outing!) and we took his 'woody' and 'Jessica' toys from Toy story.

It did make everyone laugh when the porter finally arrived with the trolley at 2.30pm after us waiting since 11am in the ward when i pulled Woodys string and he said "Boy am I glad to see you"!!!!
Son also had a pre med before which made him drowsy for about a mili second!!! But it might help if you could give your boys something as soon as you arrive maybe?