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      Pediatric Dental Care for Children with ADHD

      Dr. Tahir Shahnawaz23 Oct 2025

      • Introduction: Understanding ADHD

      • ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate energy levels.
      • It’s more common than many parents realize — roughly 1 in 10 children may show some level of ADHD symptoms.
      • These behaviors are not intentional misbehavior, but rather differences in how the brain processes attention and control.
      • ADHD can influence how children handle daily routines, including oral hygiene and dental visits.

      • Understanding the Dental Challenges of Children with ADHD

      Children with ADHD are often at a higher risk for dental problems, particularly tooth decay and trauma, due to:

      • Inconsistent brushing or forgetting to brush altogether.
      • Frequent snacking or preference for sugary foods for quick energy or as behavioral rewards.
      • Some medications (especially stimulants) can cause dry mouth, reducing natural saliva protection.
      • Impulsivity can lead to accidents or dental trauma during play.

      During dental appointments, ADHD symptoms can appear as:

      • Difficulty sitting still.
      • Sensitivity to bright lights, sounds, or instruments.
      • Trouble following multi-step instructions.
      • Anxiety or restlessness during waiting time.

      • How Pediatric Dentists Adapt

      • Appointment structure: Keep sessions short and well-timed, ideally in the morning when attention spans are better.
      • Environment: Reduce waiting time, keep the setting predictable and calm, and limit sensory overload.
      • Behavior guidance:
      • Use Tell-Show-Do, positive reinforcement, and visual cues.
      • Give frequent short breaks for movement if needed.
      • Reinforce success, not failure (“You did great staying still!” instead of “Don’t move”).
      • Treatment planning:
      • For longer or complex cases, consider multiple short visits, or when appropriate, sedation or general anesthesia to ensure safety and quality of care.
      • Teamwork: Collaboration between the dentist, parents, teachers, and pediatricians is key for consistency.

      • Parental Guidance

      • Build a daily brushing routine linked to existing habits (after breakfast, before bedtime).
      • Use short, clear instructions — one step at a time.
      • Turn oral care into something fun and rewarding — timers, songs, or sticker charts.
      • Choose fluoride toothpaste and limit sugary snacks.
      • Schedule regular preventive visits every 6 months.
      • Keep the clinic informed about medications and any behavioral changes.

      Every child deserves a positive dental experience — especially those with ADHD. With understanding, patience, and the right approach, we can help your child build healthy habits for life. If your child has ADHD or has other special needs, we’re here to make every visit calm, safe, and encouraging. Book a consultation at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers today.

      Dr. Tahir Shahnawaz

      Consultant Pediatric Dentist
      BDS, MSc (UK), FRACDS

      Dr. Tahir Shahnawaz, a British Consultant Pediatric Dentist with over 35 years of combined training and practice in Pakistan, KSA, the UK, and the UAE, specializes in pediatric and special needs dentistry. After graduating in 1986, he received his Master’s in Pedodontics in 1990 from The London Hospital Medical College, University of London, UK. In 1993, he was awarded Fellowship by the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS) in Sydney, Australia.
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