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Cavities Social Story

Cavities

Graphic of teeth with green germs on them.

There are germs that live in everyone’s mouth. I cannot see them, but they can make me sick.

Graphic of things that can cause cavities; candy, crackers, juice etc.

Some foods and drinks have sugar. The germs in my mouth use the sugar to make acid.

Graphic of a tooth with a large cavity in the center of it.

This acid will start to eat my tooth and make a little hole in my tooth, called a cavity. Cavities can hurt.

Graphic of a dentist looking in a boys mouth a the dentist office.

I will have to visit the dentist to have my cavity fixed.

Graphic of a girl eating healthfully and drinking water.

It’s important to eat and drink healthy.

Graphic of a glass of water and a handful of fruit and vegetables.

I can drink water and eat fruits and vegetables, cheese and meats, and foods that don’t stick in my teeth. This will not cause cavities and help keep my teeth healthy.

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Getting a Cavity Filled

Graphic of a tooth in pain with a magnifying glass looking at it.

There may be a time when your dentist tells you that you have a cavity that needs to be filled.

Graphic of patients sitting in a dentist's waiting room.

You will go to the dentist for your appointment and check in at the front desk. Then wait in the waiting room until it is your turn.

Graphic of a woman sitting in a dentist's chair with equipment around her.

When you go into the examination room, you will sit in the large chair and the staff will place a bib on you.

Graphic of an open mouth with a Q-tip that has medication on it.

They will put a gel medicine in your mouth to help make your tooth not hurt. This will make your mouth feel funny but it won’t hurt.

Graphic of a woman sitting in a dentist's chair with a gas mask on.

Sometimes they will use a nose covering during your appointment to make you more relaxed and comfortable.

Graphic of a dentist's drill working on a tooth.

Then they will use tools to prepare your tooth to be fixed. Some tools might make sounds, vibrate, or spray water.

Graphic of a tooth with blue medical jell on it.

Next they will apply a sour blue gel to your tooth. It will sit on your tooth for a few seconds.

Graphic of a mouth getting rinsed with water.

Then they will rinse your tooth with water and use a big straw to suck it out of your mouth.

Graphic of a tooth with medication getting applied to it.

Next, they will fill in your tooth.

Graphic of a UV light hardening the filling resin.

Then they will use a special light to harden the filling material.

Graphic of a mouth getting rinsed with water.

They will do a final rinse of your mouth and check your bite.

Graphic of a dentist looking at a chart and talking.

Now your filling is complete. You will be given instructions on how long you need to wait to eat and/or drink.

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Other downloads

Name Description Type File
Cavities - Social Story Resource discusses what cavities are, and how to avoid getting them. pdf Download file: Cavities - Social Story
Getting a Cavity Filled - Social Story Resource provides information on what to expect if you need to get a cavity filled. pdf Download file: Getting a Cavity Filled - Social Story

This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.