In a recent Practice Plan podcast, special care dental nurse, Lisa Andrews Davies, discussed the work she had done to produce a website to support the parents of children newly diagnosed with ADHD and autism in dental settings.
Lisa’s passion for inclusive care stems not only from her professional background but also from personal experience as her now teenage son was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. As someone who has lived and worked with neurodivergent individuals, she was well placed to identify the gaps in information for parents whose child had recently received a diagnosis.
Lisa’s work within Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust’s Special Care Dental Service, sees her coming into contact with patients with a wide range of complex needs, including profound disabilities, autism, and ADHD. Lisa’s career in dental nursing began by accident rather than design as she says she ‘fell into’ dental nursing after leaving the armed forces. Since then, she’s found her calling in special care dentistry, where she’s developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent patients and their families.
Lack of information
One of the key issues Lisa identified was the lack of accessible, practical information for parents of children with ADHD and autism. She found this especially to be the case regarding oral health. Medication for ADHD can act as an appetite suppressant which can see children on the medication failing to thrive. To help children gain weight, nutritionists can advise encouraging parents to feed their children high-calorie, often sugary foods. This often leaves parents trying to balance their child’s dietary needs with the risk of dental decay.
As a response to this, Lisa created an online resource [adhdoralhealth.mycanva.site] that offers clear, concise information and provides answers to some of the most common issues faced by neurodivergent children and their families. Her research was funded through the Robin Davies Award and involved surveying parents through the support group Space Hertfordshire to gather frequently asked questions and concerns. The result is a user-friendly website designed with neurodivergent readers in mind. It’s visually appealing, easy to navigate, and written in short, digestible sections.
The resource covers a wide range of topics, including:
Toothpaste and sensory sensitivities: Many children with ADHD or autism struggle with the texture or flavour of traditional toothpaste and often describe the minty flavour as ‘spicy’. Lisa recommends alternatives such as flavourless, gel, foamless, or fruity-flavoured options, provided they contain the appropriate fluoride levels. She reassures parents that using child-friendly toothpaste is not a failure but a practical adaptation.
Brushing routines: For children who resist brushing due to sensory issues or attention challenges, Lisa suggests using brushing apps or reward charts to make the experience more engaging. Adapting to suit the child is key. She suggests brushing at a different time of day may be more effective than sticking rigidly to morning and night and could help make getting ready for school less stressful.
Visits to the dental practice: Lisa emphasises the importance of finding a dentist who connects well with the child and understands their needs. Frequent, familiar visits can help build trust and help stave off the potential trauma of caries. She also recommends tools like social stories, asking for photos of the dental team, or asking permission to take a video of the practice to help children prepare for appointments.
Dietary advice: Understanding the dopamine-seeking behaviour common in ADHD is crucial. Lisa advises parents not to ban sugary treats outright but to offer them at mealtimes to reduce the risk of decay. She also shares high-calorie, tooth-friendly snack ideas like porridge with cream, toast with butter, crisps and custard with fresh cream. These are high calorie food items that can help support growth without compromising oral health.
Emergency care: The resource also includes guidance on what to do if a child knocks out a tooth. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence among energetic children with ADHD. Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately can make a significant difference to outcomes.
A resource for everyone
Lisa’s work highlights the importance of empathy and adaptability in dental care. She advocates for a non-judgemental approach, recognising that parents of neurodivergent children are often navigating complex educational and medical systems as well as taking care of their everyday needs. Oral healthcare should be a support, not another source of stress.
Her resource is not only a tool for parents but also for dental professionals. Lisa hopes general dentists will use it to support families more effectively, especially when time and training on neurodivergence are limited. By offering the link to parents at the point of diagnosis or during dental visits, practitioners can equip families with practical strategies that can make a real difference.
In Lisa’s words, “If we can crack the oral healthcare issue, then that’s one battle fewer for parents of neurodivergent children to fight.” By sharing her own lived experience, along with her professional insight, and compassionate care Lisa hopes to play a part in transforming dental support for neurodivergent patients.
