Dental problems PLEASE HELP

[Putdownthecake]

Please help
My son is almost 5. Non verbal asd, with language understanding of 1 years. I believe he may have a dental issue or ear issue but leaning towards dental. He is constantly crying. I took him to a private dentist and he wouldn't even sit in the chair. He's on the wait list for community dental team which in my area is a year plus. What the hell do I do to help my son? I can't afford to go private for sedation. I am desperate. I'm worried he will be put to sleep and have nothing wrong but I seriously need to find out for certain. There is something going on.

[Relaxinghammock]

Some community dental teams have different levels of referrals e.g. routine, urgent. You could call, explain the situation and ask if yours so do then get another referral if needed. In the meantime, have you spoken to the GP?

[24Dogcuddler]

Our authority has a particular NHS dentist based in one of the walk in centres and they used to see children with additional needs.
Someone in your area should know this information if there is someone near you.

Try GP or walk in centre to rule out ear infections. If he is anxious, he may be grinding his teeth which can cause severe pain in the jaw, ear and neck.

[Putdownthecake]

@Relaxinghammock @24dogcuddler Thank you both so much. I have got a gp appointment for today to rule out any ear issues. That's this afternoon. Once ears are out I'll be phoning around for dentist. I know I shouldn't be but I'm so worried the thought of having him put to sleep or heavily drugged and there being nothing wrong. That's obviously best case scenario but how else would I ever know when he is how he is. I just want my happy boy back for him and for me. It doesn't help my son has a hip disease so he's regularly in pain with that too but this is just different, the holding of the face etc.

[24Dogcuddler]

Good luck hope he is OK and you too.

[Putdownthecake]

Thank you. No obvious ear infection but a slight wax build up. Not sure if that'd be it. As far as dentist goes there is literally zero help. I phoned the community dentist and the private dentist didn't complete the referral! I've phoned them and left a voicemail to discuss. I've managed to book an appointment with a dental therapist so that's something. I've been told phone 111 and they'll get a dentist but they won't sedate a patient just to check if there's an issue...!?
Well how on earth do disabled people like my son have their teeth checked? He would bite someone's finger off. Fed up of everything being a fight for help

[Relaxinghammock]

Have you checked whether you can self refer to the community dental team?
In some areas you can. If you can’t, but the private dentist won’t the GP may be able to.

The special care community dental team specialise in patients with additional needs. They work hard to build trust and a relationship. They examine patients all the time without their hands going in the person’s mouth. The examination might not look like a normal examination and it might not be as thorough, but it mostly gets the job done.

For example, DS1 is yet to sit in the chair and absolutely nothing goes in his mouth. But they know enough to know when he needs work. The work is undertaken when he is under GA for another reason (long term medical condition).

[GG1986]

Do you have a local dental hospital with a childrens department that you could call? The one in Bristol have a daily emergency clinic, you call in the morning and they triage and offer you an appointment if they can.

[Putdownthecake]

Thank you both, my hospital doesn't but the nearest city has a dentist so am going to ring there. It is so frustrating. I cannot self refer to community dental. A dentist has to try see my son then write the referral, which I was told happened (but clearly didnt). I just don't understand. I appreciate the above comment and saying about looking without fingers in mouths etc but xrays.. and seeing cavities potentially? Just how? My son has been better since I put wax drops down but I still want to get things checked out. I phoned my practice as I am registered but I don't even have a dentist and they're desperately trying to recruit one. They've all gone private which I understand but something needs to be done to help nhs dental care and those with sn

[GG1986]

I work for a community dentist, we have had referrals from doctors and school nurses, support workers etc so could you ask if they can help? Forms can sometimes be printed from the community website. We have lots of ways to try and look in sn patients mouths, get xrays etc. I understand how stressful this must be for you. Will he take calpol or nurofen?

[shikshaaaa]

I understand your concern for your non-verbal son's dental and potential ear issues. While awaiting the community dental team, consider seeking a second opinion from another private dentist who may specialize in treating children with special needs. Explore community resources and advocacy organizations for additional support. Communicate your son's symptoms to healthcare providers and document any changes in behavior. Consider telehealth consultations for initial assessments. Additionally, DentXperts clinic may offer specialized services for children with special needs, so it might be worth contacting them for assistance or advice. Stay informed about dental and ear health in children with ASD, and continue advocating for your son's well-being. You're not alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging situation.