The British Society for Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) has released two new leaflets designed to support oral care for children and young people (CYP) with special educational needs (SEN), including neurodiverse children.
With the number of children diagnosed with SEN in the UK steadily increasing, BSPD has added these resources to its library of parent information to help families include their children in the government’s national supervised toothbrushing program, which launched in nurseries in March.
Earlier this year, BSPD released a leaflet providing oral care guidance at home for parents and carers of children with autism.
Currently, one in seven children in the UK is neurodiverse, and the number of pupils requiring SEN support has increased by 29.5% since 2016.
Children with neurodiversity often face greater oral health challenges, including sensory issues related to taste, touch, and noise.
Specialists at BSPD, who regularly work with children with special needs, consulted with autism specialists and parents to ensure the leaflets provide practical and up-to-date guidance.
The Home Care leaflet is designed to provide parents with advice on optimal brushing posture, toothbrush and toothpaste types suitable for neurodiverse children, and achievable oral health goals.
The new leaflet also offers strategies for engaging children in supervised toothbrushing, including using sensory-friendly toothpaste, sharing social stories, and visual planning tools. Programs are encouraged to support participation by providing facilities for children to bring their own preferred toothpaste.
Both leaflets are available for free download on the BSPD website. The BSPD aims to provide families and professionals with the tools and confidence to maintain good oral care habits for children with autism and special educational needs.
Dr. Urshla Devalia, Chair of the BSPD and a member of the Department of Health and Social Care’s Supervised Toothbrush Advisory Group, said: “Every child deserves a pain-free, healthy mouth. Our new leaflet gives families the tools and confidence to help them develop positive daily habits.”
She added: “We are delighted that the Department of Health and Social Care will share our materials with early childhood settings to help ensure neurodiverse children receive the same high standards of oral care as all children – an important step in supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.”
