ADHD and Dental Care: Resources for Patients, Parents & Caregivers

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder.¹ People with this condition often struggle to focus, control impulsive behaviors, and sit still.

Children with ADHD, in particular, face ongoing issues with focus and control.² They may need accommodations that other children don’t to flourish and stay healthy.

Below, we cover how ADHD can affect oral health, plus tips that parents and dentists can use to give people with ADHD better oral care.

How Does ADHD Affect Oral Health?

ADHD may make it harder to maintain dental health and practice good oral hygiene due to the interruptions people with ADHD experience in their attention.³

Oral diseases may develop over time. Because of this, people with ADHD are more likely to have:

• Higher incidences of dental caries or cavities
• Gingival inflammation (gum disease)
• Bruxism (tooth grinding)
• Toothaches

Children with ADHD tend to experience higher levels of anxiety and fear during dental visits. They might also act out or “misbehave,” making routine dental treatment difficult.

Other related issues people with ADHD might experience include:

• Oral trauma ⁠— Children with ADHD who show symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness may take more physical risks than other children, which can lead to traumatic dental injuries.
• Sugar-dominant diet ⁠— People with ADHD are more likely to consume higher amounts of sugar. Increased consumption of sugar can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues.
• Medication side effects ⁠— Certain medications for ADHD list dry mouth as a side effect, which can cause cavities and impact plaque levels.

Oral Health Tips for People with ADHD

Although ADHD presents a unique challenge to maintaining oral health, you can take specific steps to overcome it:

1. Establish a Routine

Routines are essential for practicing good oral hygiene habits. Most dentists recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, but if that’s too hard to keep up with, you can make your oral hygiene routine much simpler.

Start with brushing at least once a day. You can introduce a reward for completing your oral hygiene practices.

We also recommend brushing your teeth while doing another complementary activity, such as watching your favorite show or listening to songs you enjoy.

2. Talk to Your Dentist

If going to the dental office makes you anxious, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist. Many dental offices have experience with anxious patients and can take steps to alleviate your nervousness.

For instance, some dental professionals may offer specific accommodations, such as soothing scents or music in the room. You can also discuss a signal indicating when to take a break.

3. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Another way to have a successful dentist visit is to practice stress reduction techniques before and during your appointment. Techniques for easing anxiety include breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness exercises.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

ADHD can add a layer of challenge to eating regularly and preparing healthy meals. People with ADHD are often more likely to neglect their nutrition and eat more sugar.

One way to protect your oral health status and reduce your chance of dental caries is to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

5. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is good for your health on many levels, but it has a particular benefit for people with ADHD. Regular physical activity can increase dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which play a role in regulating attention. Not only that, but exercise can curb sugar cravings and lead you to build other healthy habits.

6. Educate Yourself

Learning as much as possible about dental health and oral hygiene will make you more likely to take care of yourself. Read about the effects of ADHD on oral health and how you can make a routine work for you.

Tips for Parents and Caretakers for People with ADHD

If you’re the parent or caretaker of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you can do specific things to make dental care easier, including:

1. Be Consistent

The most important thing is to create a consistent oral hygiene routine with clear expectations. For many children with ADHD, a tooth-brushing schedule is essential.

If your child knows they need to brush their teeth every morning and night, it eliminates a lot of anxiety and confusion. You can even brush your teeth with them to model positive habits for your child.

2. Make It Fun

Children with ADHD are more likely to stay consistent if the habit involves an element of fun. For example, you might implement a tooth brushing chart that tracks and rewards consistent at-home dental hygiene habits.

You can also let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste to ensure they’re more likely to use them. Provide them with highly stimulating educational material to keep them engaged.

3. Stay Patient

Your attitude around building an oral care routine makes a difference to your child. Use a gentle but firm approach that conveys confidence and helps them feel safe and supported.

Repeat instructions as often as needed until your child can brush their teeth independently. Explain the risks of neglecting healthy dental hygiene practices, including dental caries, cavities, or gum disease.

4. Choose the Right Dentist

Research the dentists in your area carefully. Some pediatric dentists may specialize in treating children with ADHD or other special needs.

Consider a pre-examination visit so your child can get used to the environment and their dentist before needing dental cleaning. It also helps to interview a dentist in advance to ensure they understand your child’s needs and will take an ADHD-friendly approach to the exam.

Questions that can help you evaluate a dentist’s ability to work with your child before a dental visit include:

• Have you worked with patients with ADHD in the past? What ages?
• Are you comfortable working with ADHD patients?
• Do you offer any special accommodations for children with ADHD?
• Do you need me to do anything in preparation for the exam?
• Can I do anything to make the experience easier for my child and your staff?

Tips for Dentists Treating People with ADHD

Pediatric dentistry often requires special attention for different patients. You can do several things to make the experience more accessible for everyone involved.

1. Take a Patient-Centered Approach

Understanding your patient and their needs is the best way to determine the most effective way to treat them. If they or their caregiver wants to discuss their ADHD or anxieties, listen with an open mind.

Other tips for using a patient-centered approach include:

• Keep a positive, non-judgmental attitude
• Stay calm and relaxed when around the patient
• Use positive reinforcement
• Practice patience and empathy
• Expect the unexpected

2. Learn About ADHD

Familiarize yourself with common oral health conditions associated with ADHD. You should also understand common ADHD medications and how they might impact a dental visit.

Discuss any prescriptions a patient takes before the dental visit. Dosage or timing can sometimes be adjusted for the smoothest dental appointment possible.

Additionally, some medications can interact with drugs used in dentistry. This is why getting clearance before restoration or surgical visits is essential.

3. Scheduling Appointments for Patients With ADHD

Some dentists believe that morning appointments are better for people with ADHD than later dental appointments. Pediatric dental patients diagnosed with ADHD often fare better with shorter but more frequent dental visits.

For example, instead of two dental practice visits for basic dental cleanings per year, you can divide these appointments into two sessions within a week. You may also consider two of each for four total dental appointments per year.

4. Determine Whether Sedation is Necessary

Dental sedation might be necessary when a patient’s ADHD is severe or if they are undergoing an invasive procedure.

Although some people are reluctant to use oral sedation, it’s a valuable tool and soothes mental health issues like stress and anxiety. Sedation dentistry is safe, effective, and more accessible than ever.

ADHD Resource Links

The following resources offer information about ADHD:

• National Institute of Mental Health on ADHD
• ADDA
• Dental Care Guide for ADHD Caregivers
• CDC on ADHD

References

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
2. ADHD Data and Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html
3. Dental Care for Children with ADHD. PMC/National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7229396/