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Going to the Dentist Social Stories

Overview

These visual stories provide information about what to expect when going to the dentist. Social stories cover going to the dentist, getting teeth cleaned, getting x-rays, and getting a cavity filled. These stories were developed in collaboration with UPMC Public Health Dental Clinic staff.

Graphic of teeth with bacteria on them.

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

Graphic of candy, fruit juice and crackers.

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

Graphic of a tooth with a large black spot on it. This is a cavity.

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 the mouth of a boy.

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

Graphic of a girl eating a salad and drinking water. She is smiling.

It’s important to eat and drink healthy.

Graphic of a glass of water and a bunch of 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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A boy getting his teeth cleaned.

It’s important to go to the dentist to help keep my teeth and mouth healthy.

Gums and teeth with a magnifying glass showing bacteria.

I need to have my teeth cleaned to remove the bacteria and germs.

A calendar next to the words

I need to go to the dentist for a cleaning every six months.

A boy checking in with a woman at a front desk.

When I get to the dentist’s office, I will check in at the front desk.

A person sitting in a chair below a wall clock.

Then I will wait in the waiting room.

Books, playing cards, and a TV.

I can read books, play games, or watch TV while I wait for the dentist.

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A dental hygenist.

A dental hygienist will clean and check my teeth. They know how to help keep my teeth clean and healthy.

When I get to the exam room, I will sit in a big comfortable chair that goes up and down and lays back like I am sleeping.

A boy getting his teeth cleaned.

They will clip a paper bib around my neck to keep my clothes clean. The bib may feel crinkly and make noise.

A boy sitting in a dental chair while a dentist shines a light on his teeth.

They will shine a bright light on my mouth so they can see to clean my teeth. If the light is bright I can close my eyes or wear sunglasses.

A boy sitting in a dental chair with his mouth open getting his teeth cleaned by a dental hygenist.

I will open my mouth wide and lie still while the dental hygienist cleans my teeth.

Dental tools.

They will clean my teeth with special dental tools that make noise and tickle my teeth. They will use special toothpaste that may feel sandy.

A mouth being rinsed with water.

They will squirt water or blow air on my teeth.

A mouth being cleaned with a dental straw.

They will use a big straw that’s like a vacuum and sucks up the spit bubbles and water in my mouth.

Teeth being flossed.

They will use string, called floss, to clean in between my teeth.

A dentist looking at a boy's teeth.

The dentist will look at my teeth with the special dental tools and count my teeth.

Teeth being brushed with fluoride.

They will paint special fluoride vitamins on my teeth. This may make my teeth feel sticky.

A toothbrush and a gift box.

When I’m done I will get a new toothbrush and might get to choose a special prize.

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A woman holding a tablet showing an x-ray of teeth.

When I go to the dentist I may need to have x-rays of my teeth.

A dental chair.

I will sit in a dental chair.

A dentist putting an x-ray shield over a woman sitting in a dental chair.

An x-ray shield, which will feel like a heavy blanket, will be put on top of me to protect me.

A man sitting in a dental chair with an x-ray device in his mouth.

They will put a holder in my mouth to take the x-ray.

A dental x-ray device.

They will use either a thick film or a digital sensor attached to the x-ray holder.

A man sitting in a dental chair with an x-ray device in his mouth.

They will make sure the x-ray holder is in my mouth correctly.

A mouth biting down on an x-ray holder.

I will bite down. It may be a little uncomfortable.

An x-ray machine.

I need to stay still while they put the camera next to my face for the x-ray. I can take deep breaths to stay relaxed.

An x-ray machine next to the word

I will hear a beep when they take the x-ray.

A man sitting in a dental chair next to a dentist.

They will take the holder out of my mouth. They might move it to take another x-ray or put it away if they’re done taking x-rays.

A tooth on a screen.

Once they are done the pictures may get printed or shown on a computer.

A dentist holding a laptop showing pictures of teeth.

The dentist will look at the x-rays to make sure my teeth are healthy.

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A tooth under a magnifying glass.

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

People sitting in a 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.

A person sitting in a dental chair with a bib on.

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 a mouth with numbing jell on a Q-tip.

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.

A person sitting in a dental chair wearing an air mask.

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

Teeth and dental tools.

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

A tooth with blue gel on it.

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

A mouth being 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 dentist placing filling material on a tooth with a cavity.

Next they will fill in your tooth.

A light being shined on a tooth.

They might use the same tools as before and use a light to harden the filling material.

A mouth being rinsed with water.

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

A dentist holding a folder.

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
Going to the Dentist This resource provides information on what to expect when you go to the dentist. pdf Download file: Going to the Dentist
Getting My Teeth Cleaned This resource provides information on what to expect when you get your teeth cleaned. pdf Download file: Getting My Teeth Cleaned
Getting X-Rays This resource provides information on what to expect when you get x-rays at the dentist. pdf Download file: Getting X-Rays
Getting a Cavity Filled This resource provides information on what to expect when you get a cavity filled. pdf Download file: Getting a Cavity Filled
What Are Cavities Social Story This resource explains what cavities are, how they form and what you can do to avoid them. pdf Download file: What Are Cavities 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.