University of Leeds launches online dental health toolkit for parents of autistic children
Free digital resource developed with families offers tailored support to improve oral health and reduce dental treatment among autistic children.
Children's occupational therapist Saskia Grassie and paediatric dentist Lauren Pickles, both from the Patient and Public Involvement group. Photo credit: University of Leeds
The University of Leeds has launched an online support package designed to help parents of autistic children manage dental care and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
The resource, called toothPASTE, was co-created with families, researchers, and early-years professionals, and offers strategies specific to the needs of autistic children.
The project was led by researchers at the University of Leeds School of Dentistry, working with colleagues from the University of Manchester and University of Sheffield. It was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and West Yorkshire NHS Integrated Care Board.
The resource responds to evidence showing that while rates of tooth decay are similar across all children, autistic children are more likely to avoid dental visits and require treatment under general anesthetic. The toothPASTE site includes videos, practical advice, downloadable tools, and a peer forum to support families with daily care routines and dental appointments.
Barriers to dental care among autistic children
Researchers found that many families face specific difficulties in supporting oral health at home. Sensory sensitivities can make toothbrushing uncomfortable, and dental visits may be overwhelming due to light, sound, smell, and unfamiliar interaction. Some autistic children struggle to communicate dental pain, and dietary preferences may increase sugar intake and decay risk.
Dr Amrit Chauhan, Lecturer in Autism-related Oral Health Research at Leeds, says, “We want to help parents feel more confident in caring for their young autistic children’s teeth. That’s why families of autistic children have been involved from the start of the study, and we have very much been led by them on what they want.”
Toolkit design shaped by families and professionals
The toolkit takes a step-by-step approach to building oral hygiene habits. It offers flexible, gradual strategies for parents whose children may need more time to adjust to brushing or dental appointments.
Dr Chauhan says, “Every family is at a different point in their journey, and every child’s needs are unique. So, on the website, we break things down into small, manageable steps. We take a gentle, gradual approach, recognizing that for some children, making even one small change might take weeks or even months – and that’s okay.”
The project also drew on visual communication tools such as Talking Mats to capture the experiences of minimally-verbal children. One child described toothpaste as “an explosion in the mouth,” reflecting the sensory barriers that can exist in day-to-day care.
Inclusive research and future plans
The project is supported by national autism and dental organizations, including the National Autistic Society and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD). The website is freely available and designed for use by any family, regardless of whether a child has a formal diagnosis.
Dr Shannu Bhatia, President of BSPD, says, “The research that has gone into the toothPASTE website has enabled the development of a set of well-targeted tools to support neurodivergent young people and will really help their parents and carers. We know that supporting neurodivergent children and those with additional sensory requirements can present specific challenges, so guidance to help all children achieve healthy teeth and gums, is something BSPD is keen to support.”
